Mrs. Whitman's letters 1843-1847

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BookJ^-V^i

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MR5. WHITMAN'S LETTERS

[An additional number of the letters written by Mrs. Nar-
cissa Whitman to her relatives in New York, have recently been
secured, together with some very important ones from Dr. Whit-
man himself, incidentally alluding to matters which of late years
have been the subject of much controversy. The originals of the
letters in this pamphlet, as well as those in the Transactions of
this Association for 1891, are in my possession as a permanent
contribution to the archives of our Association. At my earnest
solicitation they were donated to us by Mrs. Harriet P. Jackson,
a sister of Mrs. Whitman, who lived at Oberlin, Ohio, in 1893,
to whom we owe a vote of thanks. The letter of Rev. H. H»
Spalding to Mrs. Whitman's father, giving probably the first ac-
count of the massacre, also appears in this pamphlet. — Geo. H.
HlMES, Secretary.]

Vancouver, July nth, 1843.

My Beloved Sister Jane: — Your letters of March'and April, '42,
I received about three weeks since, and can assure you I was not
a little rejoiced in hearing from you, they being the first I have
received from you since March, '40, by Mrs. Littlejohn. I have
written you and Edward several times since — indeed, I always
write you every opportunity, whether you get them or not. I
heard of the death of dear sister Judson last September through
Lawyer Divin, but no particulars until your letters came. About
the same time one came from poor brother Judson, the only one
I have received from him or Mary Ann since '39. My last from
dear parents and Harriet was in September, '40; so you see I have
not the means of knowing but little about you all, yet I trust that I
am truly thankful for that little. It is a great cordial to me. I

Fsso

£1

54 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

love you all with an undying love, and every fresh breeze I re-
ceive fans it into a burning flame. I feel not the least disposi-
tion to shed a tear on dear sister Judson's account, but rather to
rejoice that she is so safely harbored in the bosom of her and
our Saviour's love; but for the sake of those who still live and
whom she might be the means of leading to Christ, I could mourn
and weep in bitterness of soul. I rejoice, too, that the sustaining
grace of God was so manifest to her beloved bereaved husband,
and our dear parents, as well as you all, under the afflictive dis-
pensation. My first thought when I heard of her death was that I
should be the next to go; but it may be otherwise, the'Lord only
knows. This I do know, His time will be the best time, and my
chief concern is, and shall be, to be ready and have my work done
and well done. But O, what a poor weak creature I am; how lit-
tle I can do to glorify His great Name. What poor returns I make
daily for His unbounded goodness to me. If I am saved I am sure
it will not, it cannot, be because of any intrinsic worth in me, or
an)' of my friends, but solely and alone for His sake who gave His
own life a ransom to save a lost world.

Dear Jane, I have the privilege of once more addressing you
from Vancouver where I am spending a little time very pleasantly,
and where I am favored with the medical advice and treatment
of two very able physicians, Doctors Barclay and Tolmie. It will
soon be seven years since I first saw this place. I should not be
here now if my husband had not gone home and left me, or, I
should have said, if my health had been sufficient for me to have
continued at my post of labor among the Indians. Doctor White,
the government Indian agent of this country, advised me to avail
myself of this opportunity to rid myself from care and labor, come
here and attend to the advice of Doctor Barclay for the perfect
restoration of my health, and I have no reason to regret it so far. I
feel that my health is improving, I hope, permanently.

You speak of Mr. and Mrs. Abernethy. I have seen your letter
to them and have only seen him a short time since I have been
here. I hope to see them both in a few days, for I am waiting a

:d

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 55

convenient opportunity to go to the Willamette, where I expect
to visit the different members of the Mission and spend a pleas-
ant season among them. The two Missions are three hundred
miles apart and it is not easy to visit back and forth, especially
where all hands are full of business each in his own field of
labor.

You almost make me feel, from your letters, that you will
accept of my invitation and come over and live with me and help
me teach the poor Indians. Indeed! are you not now almost here
with my beloved husband? The time draws near when I hope to
see his dear face again, and O! am I to greet a beloved sister with
him, and, perhaps, a dear brother, too? I know not what inex-
pressible joys or sorrows are before this frail, trembling heart of
mine; I feel that I could not survive an excess of either, my ner-
vous system is so much impaired. But I know assuredly that the
same grace that has sustained me hitherto under fiery trials, is
able and will sustain in time to come. I am in His hand. The
nine months past that I have been separated from my precious
husband, have been months of His special favors to me in this
dreary land of heathenish darkness. The sacrifice, if I may call
it so, has been a very great one — much more so than I at first
thought it could be, even to exceed that of leaving my native
land and beloved friends, and coming to dwell among the hea-
then. But the precious promises have" been fulfilled in my case
leaving all for Christ's sake, as J trust I did in coming to this
country, and freely consenting to be left so feeble and lonely
in such a lonely situation, by my earthly protector, my husband.
I feel that I have indeed received manifold more in this present
time with an assured hope of receiving in the world to come life
everlasting.

I am pleased to hear so good an account of dear E.'s progress
in study and piety, and sincerely hope he will be a useful and
devoted Christian minister. I wish he would write me more, for
his own sake as well as mine.

Miss Jane A. Prentiss,

Cuba, Alleghany County,

New York, U. S. A.

56 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

Waiilatpu^Oregon Territory, \

April 12th, 1844. j

My Beloved Father: — I was coming up the Columbia river from
the Willamette and Vancouver with Rev. Jason Lee when your
welcomed letter reached me. My husband had each of the sta-
tions of the Mission to visit before he could come after me. Mr.
Lee brought me on my way home as far as The Dalles, to Mr
Perkins, one of their stations, where I spent the winter of my
husband's absence. I remained there a few days, and my long
absent doctor came for me. It was a joyful and happy meeting
and caused our hearts to overflow with love and gratitude to the
Author of all our mercies, for permitting us to see each other's
faces again in the flesh. We came home immediately after a
short visit with friends there. My health, which had been quite
poor some of the time of his absence, was somewhat improved,
but the voyage up the river, or rather the exposure of rain, cold
and fatigue, and also the journey from Walla Walla here, proved
injurious to me. I was so unwell when I reached home that I
could scarcely get about the house for several weeks. I continued
to decline, or, rather, had two attacks of remittent fever until the
last of December, when I was taken with a very severe attack of
inflammation of the bowels and bloating which threatened almost
immediate death. The second night of the attack, we almost
despaired of my living. From the first, I was taken with excruci-
ating pain and spitting bilious fluid from the stomach, and could
keep nothing down, nor effect a motion of the bowels sufficient
to afford a permanent relief ; a clyster of salts was introduced into
the bowels with a long tube and stomach pump the second night,
and followed by a portion of the same medicine in the morning,
which soon gave signs of relief. The cathartic operated favorably
and thoroughly, and I recovered almost immediately so as to be
able to sit up and be about the room. Previous to this, and al-
most as soon as husband returned and inquired into my case, he
discovered a beating tumor near the umbilicus and fears it is an

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 57

aneurism of the main aorta below the heart. If what he fears is
true, he says there is no probability or possibility of a cure, or of
my ever enjoying anything more than a comfortable degree of
health, and I am liable at any moment to a sudden death. While
I was at Vancouver, I placed myself under Doctor Barclay's care,
a surgeon of the H. B. Company's. He discovered that I had an
enlargement of the right ovary and gave me iodine to remove it.
I was very much improved by his kind attentions for that com-
plaint, and had it not been for the other difficulty of the aorta
which was not at that time discovered by Doctor Barclay, although
it existed, I might have recovered my health. But the medicine
I took for the cure of one tumor was an injury to the other, and
for three months after my husband's return, my situation was a
source of deepest anxiety to him and he greatly feared that he was
about to be bereaved. But the Lord dealt in infinite loving kind-
ness to us both, and in answer to prayer, raised me up again. Yes,
beloved parents, while I was in that precarious state, and almost
without hope that I should survive many hours, dear brother
Littlejohn, who is now with us, prayed for me with the full assur-
ance that the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord
heard and answered.

I am now much more comfortable than at that time husband
expected I ever could be. I am able to take the whole care of my
family and aid in doing the most difficult part of the work, or
that that I cannot get done by others. During the first three
months after my return to the station, husband was confined
with the care of me and was obliged to have the whole care of
the family upon his mind at the same time with his other duties.
Our family was large and at the time I arrived, there were two
large families of the emigrants in our house besides Mr. Little-
john's, and our own consisted of six children and two hired men.
We have written about our half breed children, those we had before
the doctor left; in addition to those is Perrin, our nephew, and two
English girls of the emigrating party of last year. One of them is
thirteen and the other six; they are motherless; they have both re-

58 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

quired much training, but I hope to realize much benefit from
them if I should succeed in keeping them.

This paper is so rough that it makes my writing look very
miserable and I fear father and mother will scarcely be able to
read it. I should take common-sized letter paper did I not wish to
write more than one sheet. Last fall I did not write a single
letter home. I was not able to, and feared I should never have
the privilege again. Writing injures me very much, and unless I
feel more than usually well I find it exceedingly difficult to
attempt it, especially as I am situated; having just as much labor
and care as a weak person ought to have, and much more that
needs to be done.

My beloved parents need not be surprised should they hear of
my death soon. Ever since the fall of 1840, the sickness I had at
that time, I have been declining. Every spring I revive and feel
quite well, and feel as if I should regain my health again, but
every fall and winter I am very miserable. I may live several
years yet, with care and favoring myself, but I do not expect it.
My dear parents must wish to know how my mind stands affect-
ed in view of death. I can sincerely say that "I would not live
always." Yet so long as I can be permitted to live and be a bene-
fit to the living and the cause of Christ, I desire to. At times I
long to be at rest, to be free from sin and its defilements and be
made complete in the righteousness of our dear Saviour. Earth
and the things of this world in themselves considered have no
charms for me. I can resign them all for a place in the presence
of Jesus. I feel that I am a miserably poor sinner, and unworthy
of a name or a place among the "sons and daughters of the Lord
God Almighty." Yet I hope and trust alone in the merits of him
who is infinitely worthy, for salvation from all sin and unright-
eousness. He is my all, and I desire to be His entirely.

Last winter I felt in some considerable degree what is one of
the missionary's greatest trials, to be sick and nigh unto death,
and to die away from father, mother, brothers and sisters, and

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION 59

sympathizing friends. It is, indeed, no small trial for flesh and
blood to endure, but thanks to God, His cheering presence can
more than supply the absence of all these. Do my dear parents
cease not to pray for your afflicted daughter that I may be pre-
pared; ready, watching and waiting for the summons to depart
and be with Christ "which is far better." For His sake and the
missionary cause, I could live long and toil and labor through
many a wearisome day and night to aid in accomplishing His
great work. But as He directs, so I desire to follow, and to say,
"The will of the Lord be done."

I have something to say concerning the manner in which I
spent my time last summer while the doctor was gone. I forget
when was the last time I wrote you. I think, however, it was
last spring. I came from Mr. Perkins in April and visited the
station and went to Walla Walla in May to avail myself of the
opportunity of a passage in the brigade boats the first of June.
We reached Vancouver in five days, remained there until the mid-
dle of July and then went to the Willamette Falls, where I spent
three weeks very pleasantly in the families of Mr. Abernethy and
Mr. Walters of the Methodist Mission. In August, the Company's
ship was about leaving in which Mr. and Mrs. Lee of Waskopum
was about to depart in her; also Dr. Babcock and wife and Mr.
and Mrs. Frost, all Methodist missionaries. I went down to the
mouth of the Columbia river to see them depart and to get a
view of the Pacific <">cean. I enjoyed the voyage down and my
visit there very much. The scenery of the ocean and the bar was
new to me. I also had a visit with the families of the Mission at
the Clatsop station. Mr. and Mrs. Parrish, Mr. and Mrs. Rayj
mond, Mr. and Mrs.Judson and family, and Mrs. Olley [Olney?]
had come down for the benefit of Mrs. Judson's health. Mr. Leslie
and Mr. Jason Lee were there also. I spent a day or two on board
ship with Mrs. Lee, in whose society I enjoyed so much satisfaction
while at Waskopum. Visited the celebrated Astoria, now Fort
George, and the day the ship sailed went round Clatsop Point to
the station and spent nearly a week there and enjoyed some prec-
ious religious privileges with the brethren and sisters there and re-

60 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

turned with Mr. J. Lee and Mr. Leslie to the Willamette Falls, and
immediately proceeded up the river to the upper Mission and
visited the families of Rev. Mr. Hinds, Mr. Beers and others, and
also Mr. and Mrs. Gray, my old associates. While there a camp-
meeting was held near by, which I attended and a precious season
it was to my soul. To witness again the anxious tear and hear the
deep-felt inquiry, "What must I do to be saved?" as I once used to,
filled me with joy inexpressible. It continued four days and re-
sulted in the conversion of almost all the impenitent on the
ground. From this precious season, after a week or two, we came
to the Falls where a protracted meeting was held. While that
was in progress, the news came that my husband was on his re-
turn with a hundred and forty wagons containing an immense
party of emigrants, and that probably he was now at Waiilatpu.
This was cheering news, as I had just heard from the Islands
through Mr. Hall that, iu recent news from the States to the Islands
down as late as April, 1843, no mention was made of his arrival.
This had given me much anxiety, but it was not long before the
other intelligence came. The last week in September, I left the
Falls for Vancouver and The Dalles in company with Mr. J. Lee,
the Superintendent of that Mission, and turned my back upon
many dear friends in Christ with whom I was permitted to form
an acquaintance and a Christian attachment never to be for-
gotten.

Having been so long secluded, I was well prepared to enjoy
society and 1 may well say that some of the moments spent there
with Christian friends were among the happiest in my life. We
made a short stay at Vancouver and then proceeded on our way
up the river. Passing the Cascades and making the portage, we
had continual rain, and before we reached The Dalles, I took cold
to my great injury, as it afterwards proved. Between the Cascades
and The Dalles, I received father's letter with several others from
friends, also sisters Jane, C. and H; I am greatly obliged to them
for writing. Mr. Lee waited at The Dalles until the doctor came.
It was pleasing to see the pioneers of the two Missions meet and
hold counsel together. Soon we parted and I turned my face with

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 6l

my husband toward this dark spot, and dark, indeed, it seemed
to be to me when compared with the scenes, social and religious
which I had so recently been enjoying with so much zest.

When we parted with Mr. Lee, we little thought that our first
news from him would be, that he had set his face toward his na-
tive land. But it was, indeed, so. He has gone again and I should
rejoice if dear father and mother would see him. He has shown
me great kindness during niy lonely state, and may the Lord
reward him for it. He has been deeply afflicted in his domestic
relations. He has buried two excellent wives, and a little son.
A little daughter of his last wife, still survives to comfort and
cheer him in his loneliness. She has gone with him to the States;
and so has Rev. Mr. Hinds and his wife. As they are from the
region of Allegheny county, I hope father will see them.

It must appear singular to friends at home to hear of the re-
turn of so many missionaries from Oregon. So it seems to us;
but we have not the discouragements which our friends of that
Mission have. The Indians of the Willamette and the coast are
diminishing rapidly; but they have another work put into their
hands. Settlers are coming into the country like a flood and
every one of these need the gospel preached to them as much as
the heathen. That Society have been and are doing a great deal
of good in the lower country. Mr. Clark and Mr. Griffin, minis-
ters of our denomination, are settled near on the Tualatin plains
and are doing much good in the way of schools and preaching. I
did not visit them, although greatly urged to; on account of my
health I could not ride there, as it was some distance from the
river.

I was greatly disappointed in not seeing Jane when the doctor
returned. I fancied he would bring her, and so he would have
done had a family been coming with whom it would have been
prudent for her to come. I still hope some day to see her here.
But I know not how. This I do know, that no one of my friends
at home know of how much comfort she would be to me if she
was here.

62 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

Sister Littlejohn is a great comfort to me. She acted the
part of a sister to me during my sickness, but I do not always
expect to keep her. Mr. Littlejohn is in poor health and unable
to labor. His mind suffers greatly from dejection and melan-
choly, and he longs to go back so the States again.

Mr. and Mrs. Spalding and two children have been deeply
afflicted the past summer, just before the doctor's return, with
sickness, especially Mrs. S. She lay for several days expecting
every moment would be her last, and no physician near. Mr.
and Mrs. Littlejohn was there at that time, and as soon as possi-
ble Mr. Geiger, who was at this station, was sent for, also Mr.
Walker, to preach her funeral sermon — expecting she would die
before he reached there. Her husband and children were sick at
the same time and all must have perished had it not been that
Mr. and Mrs. Littlejohn were providentially there, having a short
time before returned from Mr. Walker's. God in mercy spared
them all and restored them back to health again. But Mrs. S. is
feeble, and like myself, we feel cannot be expected to live long.

Since my return to the station, Mrs. S. has written me very
kindly, showing that her feelings have undergone a change dur-
ing her sickness, while in the near view of death and expecting
every moment to enter the dark valley. This is a great consola-
tion to us, and we hope and believe that they both feel different
toward us from what they did, and surely they have great reason
to, from husband's account of his visit to the rooms in Boston.

I desire never to pass through such scenes of trial as I have
done, and God grant that I may never be called to. We both have
spent a happy winter in each other's society. Having those un-
happy difficulties removed makes a change in our every day feel-
ings. We are happier in each other and happier in God and in
our work than we could have been while laboring under those ex-
citing difficulties — yea! soul-destroying difficulties, I may well say.

For more than a year past I have enjoyed an unwonted quiet
resting upon God my Redeemer, especially during my husband's

OREGON" PIONEER ASSOCIATION 63

absence. Truly my Saviour was with me in those trying hours,
and sustained me far beyond what I deserve. A calm, peaceful
sense of His abiding presence was what I almost daily realized.
Being free from any distracting cares of my family and the sta-
tion, I had nothing else to do but rest myself in my Saviour's
arms; and it would be well for me now if I were to do the same,
instead of attempting to shoulder my cares, as I often do — to cast
them on Him who has said " Cast thy burdens upon the Lord and
He will sustain thee." I know this, and believe it, too, for I have
sometimes realized it. But to have the constant habit of doing so
is what I would gladly obtain, and I know I may with diligence
and prayerful watching thereunto.

I see I have almost exceeded my limits, and must think of
closing. Father's letters are choice gems to me, and I hope he
will continue to write as long as I live. O! that dear mother
would put some of her thoughts on paper for the consolation of
my heart. She does not know what joy it would give me. I am
a thousand times thankful for all the favors I receive from home,
and shall write to alias many and as much as my weak state will
admit.

Love to all, in which husband unites. I am sorry he did not
have time to make a longer visit after going so far. Farewell,
dear father and mother, and if I never write again till we meet
in heaven,

Your ever affectionate daughter,

Narcissa Whitman.

Hon. Stephen Prentiss,

Cuba, Allegheny Co.,

N. Y., U. S. A.

64 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

FROM DR. WHITMAN

WaiilaTpu, May 16th, 1844.

My Dear Father and Mother : — A little more than a year has
elapsed since I had the pleasure of seeing you. The remembrance
of that visit will never be effaced from my mind. I did not mis-
judge as to my duty to return home; the importance of my ac-
companying the emigration on one hand and the consequent
scarcity of provisions on the other, strongly called for my return,
and forbid my bringing another party that year.

As I hold the settlement of this country by Americans rather
than by an English colony most important, I am happy to have
been the means of landing so large an emigration on to the shores
of the Columbia, with their wagons, families and stock, all in
safety.

The health of Narcissa was such in my absence and since my
return as to call loudly for my presence. We despaired of her
life at times and for the winter have not felt she could live long.
But there is more hope at present, although nothing very decisive
can be said. While on the way back, I had an inflammation in my
foot which threatened to suppurate, but I discussed it and thought
nothing more of it until I got home, when I found I had a tumor
on the instep. It appears to be a bony tumor and has given me
a good deal of apprehension and inconvenience, but is now some
better, but not well.

It gives me much pleasure to be back again and quietly at
work again for the Indians. It does not concern me so much
what is to become of any particular set of Indians, as to give them
the offer of salvation through the gospel and the opportunity of
civilization, and then I am content to do good to all men as "I
have opportunity." I have no doubt our greatest work is to be to
aid the white settlement of this country and help to found its re-

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION 65

ligious institutions. Providence has its full share in all these
events. Although the Indians have made and are making rapid
advance in religious knowledge and civilization, yet it cannot be
hoped that time will be allowed to mature either the work of
Christianization or civilization before the white settlers will de-
mand the soil and seek the removal of both the Indians and the
Mission. What Americans desire of this kind they always effect,
and it is equally useless to oppose or desire it otherwise. To guide,
as far as can be done, and direct these tendencies for the best, is
evidently the part of wisdom. Indeed, I am fully convinced that
when a people refuse or neglect to fill the designs of Providence,
they ought not to complain at the results; and so it is equally
useless for Christians to be anxious on their account. The Indians
have in no case obeyed the command to multiply and replenish
the earth, and they cannot stand in the way of others in doing so.
A place will be left them to do this as fully as their ability to
obey will permit, and the more we can do for them the more fully
will this be realized. No exclusiveness can be asked for any por-
tion of the human family. The exercise of his rights are all
that can be desired. In order for this to its proper extent in re-
gard to the Indians, it is necessary that they seek to preserve their
rights by peaceable means only. Any violation of this rule will
be visited with only evil results to themselves.

The Indians are anxious about the consequence of settlers
among them, but I hope there will be no acts of violence on either
hand. An evil affair at the Falls of the Wallamett, resulted in
the death of two white men killed and one Indian. But all is
now quiet. I will try to write to Brother Jackson when I will
treat of the country, etc.

It will not surprise me to see your whole family in this

country in two years. Let us hear from vou often. Narcissa may

be able to write for herself. We wish to be remembered with

your other children in your prayers.

Your affectionate son,

Marcus Whitman.
Hon. Stephen Prentiss,

Cuba, Allegheny Co.,

New York.

66 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

WaiilaTpu, Oct. 9th, 1844.

Beloved and Honored Parents: — I have no unanswered letters
on hand, either from dear father and mother or any of the family,
yet I cannot refrain from writing every stated opportunity. The
season has arrived when the emigrants are beginning to pass us
on their way to the Willamette. Last season there were such a
multitude of starving people passed us that quite drained us of
all our provisions, except potatoes. Husband has been endeavor-
ing this summer to cultivate so as to be able to impart without
so much distressing ourselves. In addition to this, he has been
obliged to build a mill, and to do it principally with his own
hands, which has rendered it exceedingly laborious for him. In
the meantime, I have endeavored to lighten his burden as much
as possible in superintending the ingathering of the garden, etc.
During this period, the Indians belonging to this station and the
Nez Perces go to Forts Hall and Boise to meet the emigrants for
the purpose of trading their wornout cattle for horses. Last week
Tuesday, several young men arrived, the first of the party that
brought us any definite intelligence concerning them (having
nothing but Indian reports previous), among whom was a youth
from Rushville formerly, of the name of Gilbert, one of husband's
scholars.

Last Friday a family of eight arrived, including the grand-
mother, an aged woman, probably as old, or older than my mother.
Several such persons have passed, both men and women, and I
often think when I gaze upon them, shall I ever be permitted to
look upon the face of my dear parents in this land?

25th — When I commenced this letter I intended to write a
little every day, so as to give you a picture of our situation at this
time. But it has been impossible. Now I must write as briefly
as possible and send off my letter, or lose the opportunity. The
emigration is late in getting into the country. It is now the last
of October and they have just begun to arrive with their wagons.
The Blue mountains are covered with snow, and many families, if
not half of the party, are back in or beyond the mountains, and
what is still worse, destitute of provisions and some of them of

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 67

clothing. Many are sick, several with children born on the way.
One family arrived here night before last, and the next morn a
child was born; another is expected in the same condition.

Here we are, one family alone, a way mark, as it were, or
center post, about which multitudes will or must gather this
winter. And these we must feed and warm to the extent of our
powers. Blessed be God that He has given us so abundantly of
the fruit of the earth that we may impart to those who are thus
famishing. Two preachers with large families are here and wish
to stay for the winter, both Methodist. With all this upon our
hands, besides our duties and labors for the Indians, can any one
think we lack employment or have any time to be idle?

Mr. and Mrs. Littlejohn left us in September and have gone
below to settle in the Willamette. We have been looking for
associates this fall, but the Board could get none ready, but say,
they will send next year. Am I ever to see any of my family
among the tide of emigration that is flowing west?

Our mill is finished and grinds well. It is a mill out of doors
or without a house; that we must build next year.

We have employed a young man of the party to teach school,
so that we hope to hav« both an English school and one for the
natives. My health has been improving remarkably through the
summer, and one great means has been daily bathing in the river.
I was very miserable one year ago now, and was brought very low
and poor; now I am better than I have been for some time, and
quite fleshy for me. I weigh one hundred and sixty-seven pounds;
much higher than ever before in my life. This will make the
girls laugh, I know. Mrs. Spalding's health is better than last
year. She expects an increase in her family soon.

This country is destined to be filled, and we desire greatly to
have good people come, and ministers and Christians, that it may
be saved from being a sink of wickedness and prostitution. We
need many houses to accommodate the families that will be obliged
to winter here. All the house room that we have to spare is filled

68 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

already. It is expected that there are more than five hundred
souls back in the snow and mountains. Among the number is
an orphan family of seven children, the youngest an infant born
on the way, whose parents have both died since they left the
States. Application has been made for us to take them, as they
have not a relative in the company. What we shall do I cannot
say; we cannot see them suffer, if the Lord casts them upon us.
He will give ns His grace and strength to do our duty to them.

I cannot write any more, I am so thronged and employed
that I feel sometimes like being crazy, and my poor husband, if
he had a hundred strings tied to him pulling in every direction,
could not be any worse off.

Dear parents, do pray earnestly for your children here, for
their situation is one of great trial, as well as of responsibility.

Love from us both to you all. I am disappointed in not
getting letters from some of the dear ones this fall, but so it
must be and I submit.

Your affectionate daughter,

Narcissa.
Hon. Stephen Prentiss,

Cuba, Allegheny Co.,

New York.

WAiitATPU, April 8th, 1845.

My Dear Father: — It gives me pleasure to write you at this
time, as I know you will be anxious to hear how we prosper. The
health of Narcissa is very much improved from what it was when
I came home and the winter following, yet it is not good, nor is
it likely to be again. She is, however, able to take the charge of
the family, and to perform much important labor. Our family
had the important addition of an orphan family of seven chil-
dren whose parents both died on the road to this country. The two
oldest are boys, the oldest is fourteen, and the rest are girls; the

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 69

youngest was only five months when she came here. It did not
seem likely the little one could have lived many days more, but
she is now strong and healthy, as are all the rest.

I have thought much for the last winter that I should be
glad if you were in this country. The immigrants are benefiting
themselves much by coming here, as they take each a mile square
of land and will hold it, as they make such regulations among
themselves, in accordance with the bill of Mr. Linn, formerly in
the Senate of the U. S.

No country now open to settlers presents such a field for en-
terprise, as this near vicinity to the Pacific ocean offers large
promise of commercial advantage. The salubrity of the climate
is such here that I am every year only the more and more admir-
ing it. Flowers have been in blossom in this valley this year
since the middle of January, and the grass is as fine for the whole
winter as in almost any other country in June.

I have had much to do with supplying immigrants for the
last two years.

My mill was burnt soon after I left for the States, but I have
rebuilt it, and have a saw-mill in a state of forwardness, which I
hope to start soon after planting. It is about twenty miles from
the house and situated in the Blue mountains. It is necessary to
have a saw-mill, as we are in want of conveniences, and our houses
are to be roofed anew, as we have only dirt roofs at present, and
besides we have no house over our flour-mill, and we need store-
houses.

We must also use a saw-mill for fencing, as timber is so scarce
except in the mountains. The Indians are doing more this year
at farming than before and fencing much better — a thing much
needed, for most of them are now getting more or less cows and
other cattle. I have killed nineteen beeves, of course mostly to
supply immigrants. The last was but two years old when killed
the 10th of March and weighed six-hundred, and the tallow, after
one hind quarter was sold, weighed 65 lbs. This will show a spec-

70 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

imen of my stock, as we never feed either to raise or fatten, and he
was only an ordinary animal. I have four two year old heifers (this
spring only) which have each better yearlings sucking them, prob-
ably than any that can be shown in the state of New York, except
they have had more than one cow's milk.

We have above eighty sheep, a large part ewes, as we kill the
wethers — besides all that have been killed by dogs, wolves, etc.,
and besides a good many furnished the Indians. All these came
from one ewe brought from the Sandwich Islands in '38 and two
more brought in '39. We shall have more than a hundred when
the spring lambs have come.

Let us hear from you, and if any of you think to come here.

I have had many a rebuke by Narcissa, because I did not
bring Jane with me when I came back. Edward might do well
in this country, and we shall be glad to see him when his educa-
tion is completed, if he is to complete it; but if not, still let him
come, but only with a wife. You can come in wagons all the way,
but bring nothing but provisions and necessary clothing — nothing.
Accept our love for you all. And believe us.

Your affectionate children,

Marcus Whitman.

My Dear Parents: — I have now a family of eleven children.
This makes me feel as if I could not write a letter, not even to my
dearest friends, much as I desire to. I get along very well with
them; they have been to school most of the time; we have had an
excellent teacher, a young man from New York. He became
hopefully converted soon after entering our family, and mother, I
wish you could see me now in the midst of such a group of little
ones; there are two girls of nine years, one of seven, a girl and boy
of six, another girl of five, another of three and the baby, she is
now ten months. I often think of mother when she had the care
of Henry Martin Curtis.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 7 1

It would make me indescribably happy to have father and
mother and some of the children come to Oregon; but it is such a
journey I fear mother would be sorry she undertook it, if she should
conclude to come, but if once here I think there would be no cause
of regret. Families can come quite comfortable and easy in wag-
ons all the way. But why should I wish thus? It cannot be pos-
sible that I shall see my beloved parents again — is it?- -until I meet
them in heaven. The Lord only knows; I will leave it with Him
to direct all these things. We have had some serious trials this
spring with the Indians. Two important Indians have died and
they have ventured to say and intimate that the doctor has killed
them by his magical power, in the same way they accuse their
own sorcerers and kill them for it. Also an important young man
has been killed in California by Americans; he was the son of the
Walla Walla chief and went there to get cattle, with a few others.
This has produced much excitement also. We are in the midst of
excitement and prejudice on all sides, both from Indians and
passing immigrants, but the Lord has preserved us hitherto and
will continue to, if we trust Him. Love to all, as ever and forever.

Your affectionate daughter,

Narcissa.

Miss Jane A. Prentiss,

Cuba, New York.

Waiilatpu, April 9th, 1846.

My Dear Mother: — It is now ten years since I left the paternal
roof of my home east of the Rocky mountains, and how much
have I been thinking of the scenes that transpired at that time,
and of the dear, dear friends, I have left behind. My father, my
mother, venerable friends — shall I ever behold your faces again in
the flesh? O, how I long to see you, yet I dare not indulge the
thought lest I should be found to murmur. If it would give such
joy and satisfaction to meet again in this world, to interchange
thoughts and feelings, what will it be to meet above, when we

72 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

shall be free from sin and sorrow, in the immediate presence of
our Saviour to adore and wonder together and praise God and the
Lamb before the throne. My thoughts have been very much in
heaven, on heavenly subjects for two or three months past, hav-
ing been permitted to accompany a fellow traveler down to the
gates of death and to see him pass the dark waters triumphantly
and enter joyfully the New Jerusalem above. O, what a glorious
sight, and I may say that reluctantly I turned away, mourning
that I was not permitted to follow him in reality as with an eye
of faith. The individual I refer to, was not a relative, or I could
not have stood and looked on with such composure and quietness,
he was a young man nearly thirty- two years of age; far gone in
the consumption when he arrived here last fall, as one of last im-
migration— Joseph S. Findly, from Illinois, and without friends
and money, left here to die among strangers. His brother went
on past to the Willamette, and he stopped here because it was
more unfavorable for an invalid there in the winter time then
here. We had assistance, however, in taking care of him until the
last month of his life, when the sole care devolved on me and tho
children; my health very poor all the time. You can see, beloved
parents, what my work was, when I tell you that when he came
here, he was without a Saviour. This gave deep anxiety of mind
and earnest prayers, until the Lord was pleased to bring him to
himself, but the evidence was not always so clear as to feel very con-
fident in his case, so that, during the whole time, I felt a tender
anxious watchfulness for him, which led me to be constantly
seeking an opportunity of nourishing and cherishing him as I
would a little child. Blessed be the Lord, he did not suffer me to
labor in vain, but from time to time gave me evidence to believe
that the good which he had begun, was progressing. Along in Feb-
ruary he manifested a desire to unite with the church. An oppor-
tunity was presented.

Mr. Spalding and family visited us the last of February, and
on the 26th, he with Mr. Rogers, another young man that had
been employed as teacher of our children, offered themselves and
were received most joyfully into our little church here in the

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 73

wilderness. He was unable to sit up, consequently we were gath-
ered around his sick and dying bed, to commemorate with him
for the first and last time the dying love of our blessed Redeemer
before he left us to join the church triumphant above. From this
time on his evidence of an acceptance grew brighter and stronger,
yet it never exceeded a calm and steady trusting in the Saviour,
sometimes doubting almost that such a sinner could be saved.
I never could discover anything like ecstasy, joy, or rejoicing at
any time in his state of mind. He never had received very much
religious instruction in his youth, his mother having died when
he was quite young.

Many, very many, precious seasons I have spent with him,
reading, conversing, and praying with him, and I have been very
much refreshed myself in doing it. Although I had more work
and care on my hands than I could do, without him, in the care
of my eleven children, yet I felt that it was work that the Lord
put in my hands and He would and did give me strength to
do it. He died on Saturday, 28th of March, few minutes past one,
He was more than two hours dying. Mr. Spalding was provi-
dentially present at the time of his death. When I discovered a
change had taken place in his breathing, I went to him and
told him that I thought Jesus was about to take him away,
and asked him if he did not rejoice? He said he did, if he
knew what rejoicing was. Soon he said, " Lord, help me now,"
and then asked Mr. Spalding and myself if we thought he was
smothering, meaning that he was distressed to get his breath; we
told him we thought he was dying, and asked if he did not wish
Mr. Spalding to pray? He said, "Yes;" and we united in fervent
prayer that the Lord would not forsake him now in this trying
hour, and commended his departing spirit into the hands of his
Saviour.

The family were called in. I asked him if he felt the Sav-
iour present with him now? He said deliberately, "I think He
is." Occasionally ejaculations "like these would be heard from
him as we stood watching around him, "Lord, help me now; Thy
will be done." After a little he looked up and around and said,

74 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

"Farewell to this world;" then, some moments after, "Father,
Thy will be done." Afterwards he reached his hand to husband
and I, with a look of gratitude and thankfulness for the kindness
he had received from us. Soon after Mr. Spalding asked him if
the Saviour was with him? After a moment he said, " I think so."
Shortly after he ejaculated, "Jesus, save me." Mr. Rogers stood
by him holding his hand. In a few minutes he looked at us
with inexpressible sweetness depicted in his countenance, and
said, "Sweet Jesus! sweet Jesus! sweet Jesus!" as if anxious that
we should receive the evidence of his Saviour's presence with him
and the token he had just received from Him. It was like a ray
of glory bursting through him upon our minds. It completely
melted us all. From this time on he lay breathing still more
and more laborious, and he desired us to try and turn him to see
if he could not find relief; but the change of position made it still
more difficult, and he wished to lie back again as he was before,
exclaiming, " Sweet Jesus! sweet Jesus!" as if the Saviour had
again given him another taste of His sweetness, and assurance
that rest or ease was not for him in this world. After this the
occasional uttering of these words, " Sweet Jesus!" led us to think
that his communion was more with the inhabitants of the heav-
enly world [than with us, although he was most perfectly con-
scious of every thing that passed up to the last moment. A little
after one o'clock he uttered "Sweet Jesus!" sweet Redeemer!"
and then " Farewell, farewell, farewell!" and, indistinctly, " I am
going!" and thus expired, sweetly yielding up his spirit into the
hands of his Redeemer.

This was new and unexpected to Mr. Spalding and Mr. Rog-
ers, they having never seen the like before. As for me, I had been
asking that the Lord might be glorified in his death, and thus we
were left without a doubt that our brother, on whom we had be-
stowed so much anxious care, had gone to be forever with the
Lord; feeling, too, that we had been more than amply rewarded
for the labor bestowed upon him. He was always so grateful for
the attention shown him, particularly for the instruction and re-
ligious help he received — said if he had ever in his life had such

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 75

instruction, he would never have lived so far from the Saviour as
he had done. He felt that I had been a mother to him, for he
never received such attention before from any one, and he said it
weeping. But it was all of the Lord to dispose my heart in kind-
ness toward him when I am always so weak and burdened with
cares. "I was a stranger, and ye took me in; sick, and ye minis-
tered unto me" — these and similar passages all the way through
were my support; and I pray God I may always be in a frame of
mind to apply this scripture, " Be not forgetful to entertain
strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

April 10th, 1846.

My Dear Father: — I have received no letters from father,
mother or any the sisters or brothers in Allegheny county since
husband returned. I wonder why, sometimes, and feel a little
like complaining. Nothing I receive from the United States
gives me so much comfort as letters from my dear parents. I am
sure those sisters and brothers might write oftener if they would
think so. It ina}- be that you are feeling as if I had not been as
faithful lately as formerly; true, I have not, but it is not for the
want of a disposition. The greatest reason is want nf health, then
the care of a large family of eleven children, aside from our com-
plicated duties to the Indians. Think of our being the sole in-
structors spiritually and mentally of so many children, except
during the winter, we hire a teacher; otherwise all these mental
and physical instructions devolves upon us, and no responsibility
is greater than the care of so many immortal souls to train up for
God, and we must be the ministers, Sabbath school teachers, par-
ents and all to our children. I am sometimes about ready to sink
under the weight of responsibility resting upon me, and should,
were it not that an Almighty hand sustains me. Bringing up a
family of children in a heathen land, where every influence tends
to degrade rather than elevate, requires no small measure of faith
and patience, as well as great care and prayerful watchfulness.
Under such circumstances, how comforting could I call in the

76 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

superior wisdom and experience of my beloved parents to aid us
in times of emergency. As a substitute for this, however, and for
it I desire to be thankful, the influence of the impressions made
upon my young mind by those beloved ones are now being called
forth and acting upon other minds to a degree that astonishes me
many times, and I may say that almost always those impres-
sions are of such a nature, that if faithfully carried out, would
greatly tend to promote the honor and glory of God. Children
of such parents have much, very much, to praise God for, and if it
should be found at last that any of them have not borne fruit to
His Name's glory, how great will be their condemnation.

There has been considerable evidence of the movings of the
Holy Spirit upon the minds of the children since the first of Jan-
uary, as well as upon some that wintered here. For ourselves, we
feel that our own souls have been greatly revived, and I hope and
pray that we may never again relapse into such a state of insensi-
bility and worldly-mindedness as we many times have found our-
selves in. This may seem strange to my dear father, that mission-
aries should ever become worldly-minded; and it should be strange,
for it never ought to be; but situated as we are, with every thing
of a temporal nature to see to, in supplying our own family
with food and clothing, to try and save expenses to the churches,
and also to relieve as much as possible a starving immigration as
they pass, together with the temporal and spiritual calls of the In-
dians— what time is there left for the care of one's own heart?
If there is any, it may all be required to restore our over-exhaust-
ed natures, which often groan under their burden and will sooner
or later tumble and fall down. I would not plead any excuse; if
there is fault any where it is in undertaking to accomplish too
much of a worldly nature. When I say this, a thought comes in:
Where shall we draw the line? As it is, we but just make the ends
meet, and sometimes with the greatest difficulty, too. Much, very
much, is left undone that might be done to make us more com-
fortable and save labor. Thus we struggle on from year to year.

How cheering under such circumstances, when the heart is
weighed to the earth with a burden too heavy for mortal man to

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 77

sustain, to have an aged Christian, a minister whose heart is al-
ways glowing with love to God and for the souls of men, call in, sit
and converse awhile and draw the mind to heavenly things and
sympathize and pray with us. To me it would seem to fill my
soul with such ecstacy that I should want nothing more. It
would be a heaven on earth. Perhaps, dear father will say that I
can draw a richer draught from the fountain head, Jesus, oftener
and easier than that. True, I may; but that requires effort and
energy of mind more than I at all times possess, laboring as I am
under the infirmity of a debilitated nervous system. But why
should I be indulged in such a melancholy strain? Can it be that
I wish to excuse myself for negligence on my part? This, I con-
fess, is too often a fault; for if it were otherwise, I should not be
mourning for my beloved Jesus as I often find myself now, not-
withstanding His permitting me to speak of His faithfulness and
of His tender care and love for me, unworthy as I am. He gives
me now and then streams from which to gather refreshing sweet-
ness. But the fountain head oftener pours its healing waters into
my weary, sin-sick soul. Instead of complaining that I enjoy so
little, rather let me rejoice that my mercies and spiritual com-
fort and enjoyments are so many and great.

If my dear father and mother were here, I think they would
be very well contented, for we could give them a very comfortable
home and enough to eat and do, and if the distance were not so
great, I should hope the)- would come and finish their days with
us. But it is a dreadful journey to perform to get here, and I
ought not to ask such a sacrifice of them for my own comfort,
merely; but if there could be a design worthy of the sacrifice and
fatigue to such elderly people, I should ask it with all my heart,
if there was a willing mind. I know tather once used to think
he should come to Oregon; but if I recollect right he wrote me
that he had given it up. It is not so difficult to get here now as
when I came, for families come in wagons all the way. The fa-
tigue is great, however, and the dust from Fort Hall here is very
afflicting; aside from that, with food enough and teams enough,
no loading except necessary clothing, it would not be difficult.

78 *r\VENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

Father, if you would send word from Fort Hall we could send
and meet you and assist you on. But the greatest affliction would
be to the pious soul — it is so continually vexed with the ungodly con-
versation and profanity of the wicked, and is so often brought
into straitened circumstances with regard to his own duty in
obeying the commands of God, such as keeping the Sabbath, etc.,
that he often is wounded to that degree that it requires many
months, if not years, before he is restored to his wonted health
again. To be in a country among a people of no law, even if they
are from a civilized land, is the nearest like a hell on earth of
anything I can imagine. I do not say that the journey cannot be
performed and the Christian enjoy his peace of mind and contin-
ued communion witb God all the way. But this I know, that the
experience of all proves it to be exceedingly difficult, if not impos-
sible. It is often said that every Christian gets so that he can
swear before the journey is completed. One thing has been true
of almost every party that have crossed the mountains; Christians
are not warned of their danger before starting, and are conse-
quently off their guard. If I had to ever again, I should try and
pray more, both in secret, family and social meetings, but above
all in secret, for if faithful there the soul is kept alive and in health,
Generally speaking, every religious duty has been neglected and
probably none more so than reading the 3ible, consequently dearth
prevails over the whole mind.

If I am not permitted to see my dear parents here, I hope I
shall hear from them often. I love to have them both write; when
they receive this, they will know how to pray for us, and will I
trust most fervently.

From your most affectionate child,

Narcissa.
Hon. Stephen Prentiss,

Cuba, Allegheny Co.,

New York.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 79

Waiii.aTpu, April 13th, 1846.

My Dear Harriet: — 1 believe I have not written you since the
Lord brought this orphan family under our care. How could I,
for I have been so unwell and had this increase of care upon my
mind, that I have written to no one in the States, as I recollect.
I find the labor greater in doing for so many, especially in in-
structing them — where they come in all at once — than if they
had come along by degrees and had received a start in their edu-
cation, one before the other; whereas all their minds appear to be
alike uninstructed, especially in the great truths of Christianity.

I would like to know how you and Clarissa get along in un-
folding the minds of your little ones. I hope you both feel that
the immortal part is of the greatest moment in all your strivings
for them, and to educate the physical in such a way as to give the
immortal part the utmost vigor and energy possible.

I used to think mother was the best hand to take care of babies
I ever saw.but I believe, or we have the vanity to think, we have
improved upon her plan. That you may see how we manage with
our children, I will give you a specimen of our habits with them
and we feel them important, too, especially that they may grow
up healthy and strong. Take my baby, as an example: in Octo-
ber, 1844, she arrived here in the hands of an old filthy woman,
sick, emaciated and but just alive. She was born some where on
the Platte river in the first part of the journey, on the last da}' of
May. Her mother died on the 25th of September. She was five
months old when she was brought here — had suffered for the want
of proper nourishment until she was nearly starved. The old
woman did the best she could, but she was in distressed circum-
stances herself, and a wicked, disobedient family around her to
see to.

Husband thought we could get along with all but the baby —
he did not see how we could take that; but I felt that if I must
take any, I wanted her as a charm to bind the rest to me. So we

80 TWENTIETH ANNUAL REUNION

took her, a poor, distressed little object, not larger than a babe
three weeks old. Had she been taken past at this late season,
death would have been her portion, and that in a few days. The
first thing I did for her was to give her some milk and put her in
the cradle. She drank a gill, she was so hungry, but soon cleared
herself of it by vomiting and purging. I next had a pail of warm
water and put her in it, gave her a thorough cleansing with soap
and water, and put on some clean clothes; — put her in the cradle
and she had a fine nap. This I followed every day, washing her
thoroughly in tepid water, about the middle of the forenoon.

She soon began to mend, but I was obliged to reduce her milk
with a little water, as her stomach was so weak she could not
bear it in its full strength.

Now I suppose you think such a child would be very trouble-
some nights, but it was not so with her; we put her in the cradle
and she slept until morning without waking us more than once,
and that only for a few of the first nights. Her habits of eating
and sleeping were as regular as clock-work. She had a little gill
cup which we fed her in; she would take that full every meal, and
when done would want no more for a long time. Thus I contin-
ued, giving her nothing else but milk, she only required the more
until her measure became half a pint. In consequence of the
derangement of her digestive powers, which did not recover their
healthy tone, she had a day of sickness some time in Dec. when
we gave her a little oil and calomel; this restored her completely,
and since that time, and even before, she has nothing to do but to
grow, and that as fast as possible; she is as large or larger than her
next older sister Louisa was when she came here, thennearly three
years old. She now lacks a month and a half of being two years
old. She is strong, healthy, fleshy, heavy, runs any where she is
permitted, talks everything nearly, is full of mischief if I am out
of the room. She is energetic and active enough, and has a dis-
position to have her own way, especially with the children, if she
is not prevented.

She contended sharply for the mastery with her mother before
she was a year old, but she, of course, had to submit. Since then

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 8 1

she has been very obedient, but frequently tries the point to see
if her parents are steadfast and uniform in their requirements or
not. She will obey very well in sight, but loves to get out of
sight for the purpose of doing as she pleases. She sings a little,
but not nearly as much as Alice C. did when she was of her age.
Thus much for my baby, Henrietta Naomi Sager. She had
another name when she came here, but the children were anxious
to call her after her parents. Her father's name was Henry and
her mother's was Naomi — we put them together.

What I call an improvement upon mother's plan is the daily
bathing of children. I take a child as soon as it is born and put
it in a washbowl of water and give it a thorough washing with
soap. I do this the next day and the next, and so on every day as
long as the washbowl will hold it; when it will not, then I get a
tub or something larger, and continue to do it until the child is
able to be carried to the river or to go itself. Every one of my
girls go to the river all summer long for bathing every day before
dinner, and they love it so well that they would as soon do with-
out their dinner as without that. In the winter we bathe in a
tub once a week at the least. This is our practice as well as the
children. I do not know but these are your habits, but if they
are not, I should like to have you try them just to see the benefit
-of them. I never gave Henrietta any food but milk until she
was nearly a year-and-a-half old. She never wanted anything
else. I avoid as much as possible giving my children candies,
sweetmeats, etc., such as many parents allow their children to in-
dulge in almost all the while; neither do I permit them to eat
cakes and pies very often.

It is well to study these things with regard to our children,
for it saves many a doctor bill; and another thing with our chil-
dren, we never give medicine if we can help it. If children com-
plain of the headache, or are sick at the stomach, send them to
bed without their supper or other meals; they are sure to get up
very soon feeling as well as ever.

My husband says many times when a physician is called to
see a patient he finds nothing ails him but eating too much. If

82 TWENTIETH ANNUAL REUNION

he is told this he will be offended, so he is obliged to give him
something, when all he needs is to do without a meal or two and
to fast a day or two and drink water gruel.

Doubtless you will think this a strange letter, Harriet, but
you must take it for what is worth and make the best of it.

We sleep out of doors in the summer a good deal — the boys
all summer. This is a fine, healthy climate. I wish you were
here to enjoy it with me, and pa and ma, too. We have as happy
a family as the world affords. I do not wish to be in a better sit-
uation than this.

I never hear as much as I wish about Stephen's children. I
should think Nancy Jane might write her aunt now — tell me
something about them.

O, how I wish you were all here. I could find work enough
for you all to do; and every winter we have a good school, so
that our children are learning as fast as most children in the
States.

Harriet, I do want you and that good husband of yours to come
here and bring pa and ma. I know you will like it after you get
here, if you do not like the journey. There are many of the last
immigration that came without their families, that are now go-,
ing back to bring them as quick as possible, and are only sorry
they did not bring them last year. Bring as many girls as you
can, but let every young man bring a wife, for he will want one
after he gets here, if he never did before. Girls are in good
demand for wives. I hope Edward and Jane will come. I have
written to them to come. Judson wants to come, too. I hope he
will, and many other Christians. Where is Jonas G.? Why does
he not come? Poor man, I never can think of him without sorrow.

Love to all, and a kiss for all those little ones.

Narcissa.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 83

TSHIMAKAIN, April 22, 1846.

Miss Prentiss: — An apology is due in my attempting to write
to you, being an entire stranger, although I feel almost as though
I had been well acquainted with you for years, having become so
much attached to Mrs. Whitman.

Some days before I left Dr. Whitman's for this place, Mrs
Whitman was speaking of having a great number of letters to
write to the States, and in her pleasant way wished to know if I
would not write some for her. To which I replied, I would rather
engage her to write for me, as she could do it so much better; but
said, finally, that I would write one to any of her friends, if she
would do the same for me.

To this she agreed and gave me your name. I desired her to
write to my mother, who is living near Monmouth, Warren county,
Illinois, where I have been living for the last ten years before the
spriug of '45, at which time I left home with the desire of seeing
the far West.

As I learned from Mrs. Whitman that you and your brother
had some thought of coming to this country, you will doubtless
feel more or less interested in some of the difficulties and trials
that one has to encounter on the way. One of the greatest trials
that a religious mind has to encounter on the way is the com-
pany one is often compelled to travel with. There is no place
where one can better see all the varieties of civilized life than
here. You can see from the highest to the lowest grade. You
may see all these at home, it is true, but you can't see them all
brought so closely together, and under so many vicissitudes of
life as have to be passed through on the way — hunger and thirst
and fatigue, cold and wet weather. Now you have bad roads and
no grass for your cattle; now, perhaps, some one will tell you there
is much danger from Indians. After traveling all day through
dust that is almost insupportable, you will come into camp at 9
or 10 o'clock at night and feel almost as though you did not care

84 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

whether scalped before morning or not. And to make the trouble
greater the cattle have almost nothing to eat, and may be you
have no water within a mile, and perhaps no wood. Under such
circumstances who is there among the sons of men that would
not be likely to feel somewhat peevish, so much so that almost
anything would throw him off his balance, and be likely to go
beyond the bounds of propriety. Sure I am that nothing but
"much of the mind of Christ," will support one under such trials.
You must not think that the whole journey is just such as I have
described. By no means. I have given you about as dark a picture
as is likely to be met with on the^road. But I must confess that
I endured more fatigue during the six months we were on the
way than I had ever before undergone in the same length of time.
No one need think that it is like traveling in the stage or on the
steamboat; yet one is not often vexed with high prices, nor
are they in danger of being robbed as they are on steamboat.

One is not very likely to spend a great deal by the way, with-
out ha does it in gambling, which he may do here as well as any
where if he wishes, as it is almost always the case that some one
was thoughtful enough to bring a deck of cards with him; and
if they have none of them, they bet on the distance to some hill,
or on the distance traveled during the day, or that my oxen can
draw more than yours.

Another trial that one has often to meet on the way is disre-
gard for the Sabbath. I suppose there was about as much conten-
tion arose on that subject in the company in which I came as
any another. A good part of the company cared nothing about
that, or any other religious question, and if it suited them they
wished to travel on that day as well as any other. And even when
they did stop on that day it was only to mend their wagons, or
wash their clothes. I do not say that all did so, for there were
some of the company that were devotedly pious. There were
three ministers in the company, one a Seceder minister from
about Burlington. The other two were Baptist ministers, one
from Iowa, the other from Rock Island county, 111., whose name
was Fisher, and who was formerly of Quincy, and is doubtless well

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 85

known there. He manifested more of the true spirit of Christ
while on the road than any other man with whom I was ac-
quainted. Sometimes one is compelled to travel on the Sabbath,
even if the company were willing to stop, as it happens that pas-
ture cannot be found insufficient quantities, though this does not
often occur, but it is often made a plea for traveling on that
day when there would be plenty if they wished to stop to hunt
buffalo. The company in which I came, traveled, may be, half
the Sabbaths on the way. We had preaching most of the days
on which we stopped. But I am dwelling too long on this subject,
perhaps.

I desire to say to you, if you have any influence with respect
to this country, I hope you will use it in endeavoring to have it set-
tled with pious Yankees. Although not one myself, yet, as west-
ern people say, " I have a mighty liking to them." I do hope that
it may be another New England, and I would to God that the
mothers of this country could only be from Yankee land. Per-
haps I have said more than I ought, but such are the sentiments
of my heart, and I have ventured to express them. Let me but
have the choice of the mothers of any country, and I will feel well
satisfied as to the destiny of that country, either as to its moral,
literary or civil aspect. But ^the moral prospect of this coun-
try is not very encouraging at this time. The " man of sin" ap-
pears to be making considerable progress in the lower settlements.
One thing that makes much in his favor is, he has the influence
of the H. B. Company ; though it is to be hoped that God will
thwart his plans, and that He will "overturn, overturn till He come
whose right it is to reign." "Till the stone cut out of the moun-
tain shall fill up the whole earth." May God hasten it in His day,
is my earnest desire and prayer.

It may be interesting to you to know any one with whom I
have been formerly acquainted. Mr. Bacon used to be my precep-
tor in music, whom I suppose you have often seen. I would like
much to be remembered to him, if he is living there.

I have, perhaps, said more now than you will think worth
sending more than two thousand miles, but I must say in conclu-

86 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

slon, that Dr. and Mrs. Whitman seem very near to me. It ap-
peared almost like parting with my mother when I left there to
come to this place (which you will find marked on the map of
Oregon in the November number of the Missionary Herald.) I
have spent many very pleasant hours in her company and hope
to spend more ere life closes.

Should you ever receive this, a letter as long as you wish to
write would be most acceptable. News from the States is always
scarce at Tshimakain and Waiilatpu.

Your true friend,

Andrew Rogers, Jr.
Miss Jane A. Prentiss,

Quincy, Adams Co.,

Illinois, U. S. A.

Waiilatpu, Sept. nth, 1846.

Mr. Harvey P. Prentiss, Mrs. Livonia L Prentiss, My Dear
Brother and Sister: — It is but a few days since I received that
good family letter bearing date of March, 1836, [1846?]. Since
that time my mind has been much upon you for this reason: I
hear you are removing to the South for the sake of a warmer cli-
mate. I had much rather you would come this way, and have been
studying ever since to see if I could not induce you to come. There
are many reasons why we wish you to come, but my time is so
limited that I can give you but a few of them now. I shall write
again this fall to some or all of you, if permitted. We wish you
were here to assist us in our work; we have more than we can do>
and if you were here now we could give you both labor and sup-
port and would be glad to do it. I know you would like this
mild and healthy climate better than the one where you have
gone, at least we think so. Take the map, if you please, and just
look at our situation on this Western coast. The Sandwich Is-
lands and China are our next door neighbors. I see I cannot en-

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION 87

large upon this subject. I was going to speak of the facilities for
acquiring competency, if not wealth, in this country, but my
time will not permit.

A little reflection will show you what I wish to say and I
hope induce you to come. If you will only manage to get here,
we are here to assist you all you need to get a start, if you should
not wish to continue with us. Do not be anxious for your chil-
dren ; here is a good place for them to do well for themselves, both
as to education and getting a living. We have a good English
school here every winter and eventually intend to have an acad-
emy or college. Do come. I say this with all my heart. You
will find the journey a trying one, but there is no difficulty in
getting here. A good wagon with an ox team, and cows to change
with, will in time bring you here, and then I wish you would
bring Jane. I want her here very much as a teacher*, and Edward,
too. If you come they will come, I have no doubt, for last year
they wrote us proposing to come if we wanted them. The Board
had rather we would employ a farmer than appoint one and send
to us. We expect the line will be settled with England soon, if
it is not already, and that the United States will extend her juris-
diction over us; when that is done, we expect there will be a flood
of emigrants rolling this way. For three years past there has
been large companies of from 500 to 700 wagons each year to Ore-
gon and California.

Brother Kinny says he would come to Oregon, if he had no
wife. Please tell him he is in a much better situation for coming to
Oregon as a settler than if he had none, for nothing makes bach-
elors feel so much like getting a wife as to come here and find
none to be had. Many are often disposed to degrade themselves
enough to take a native.

I see Congress is talking about starting a mail across the
mountains. When that is accomplished, I shall hope to hear from
home friends oftener and more regular. Mother thinks if she
should come here she would be afraid of the Indians. It might
be, yet I think she would soon get over it. They never were more
quiet and peaceable than now, and appear to be getting more so.

88 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

We feel that your going to Virginia will not be in trie way of your
coming, for we think you will be more likely to come here, for hav-
ing come thus far. I hope you will write us and tell us all about
it. As I know not where to direct this letter, I shall send it to
father to have him forward it. I have written this in great
haste, for the Indian post is waiting to take this, with many other
letters, to Walla Walla, where the boats will leave to-morrow
morning.

My health is quite good for me. All of the family are well;
indeed, we have no sickness at all in the family scarcely, although
the orphan family, before they came here, were quite subject to
sickness.

Please give our united love to all our dear friends, and be-
lieve me

Affectionately your sister,

Narcissa Whitman.

Hon. Stephen Prentiss,

Cuba, Alleghany Co.,

New York.

Waiilatpu, Oregon Territory, \
Nov. 3rd, 1846. /

Mrs. Clarissa Prentiss, Honored and Beloved Mother:- -It is with
indescribable pleasure I received and perused those excellent lines,,
penned by that hand that has been so much of my life devoted
to my comfort, and dictated by that heart that has so often
beat with emotion for my good, too deep for utterance. It really
seemed as if the very fountains of my heart were broken up and
my whole soul was filled with emotions indescribable. O, my
mother, my dear mother, and father! How I love to dwell upon
these blessed sounds. Do I love these dear ones less, as I grow in
years and as separation widens? Surely not. Yea, my heart clings
to them with an undying grasp; and I bless God that we have

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 89

the assurance that this union is not to end in this life, but will
exist, yea, and increase, too, through an unending eternity.

It was but a few mornings ago that I was reading mother's
letter to the children, and husband was sitting by. Afterwards I
handed it to him, and looking at it, he said (the tears filling his
eyes), " Mother writes well for one that writes so seldom;" said he
"she writes better than any of her daughters." And so I think,
too. I hope mother will be encouraged, when she finds her letters
so acceptable and doing so much good, to write oftener, at least
once a year, if not twice.

I have not yet received father's promised letter; it may be it
failed to be in time for the opportunity of a transport across the
mountains. Mother's, dated March 26th, 1846, was sent from Bos-
ton to Westport and reached me in about five months after it was
mailed. This brings me very near home. Indeed, it is the first I
have received since those sent by husband. It would be well to
send everything direct to Westport, to the care of Boone & Ham-
ilton, and in the summer and fall to Boston, and they will be
most sure to reach us. There is a prospect of a monthly mail to
be established soon from St. Louis to Oregon — so we judge from
movements in Congress; when that is accomplished a new era
will commence in our western world and a happy one, too, to us,
if our friends will write us ot'ten.

Since writing the above we have been assembled for our Tues-
day evening concert, established more than seven years ago by
■the two Missions, to pray for the cause of Christ in Oregon. We
have evidence to believe that this concert of prayer has been
greatly blessed to us, and this infant country. We feel that God
has heard prayer, for many precious souls give evidence of having
passed from death to life, some among the Indians and many
more among our own countrymen. The standard of piety and
morals in the Willamette is good for so new a country. Many
pious people and professing Christians have found their way
here, and many ministers of different denominations; yet there
is a want of able ones. Mother asks what sort of people come to
this country. There are very many intelligent and excellent peo-

90 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUM, REUNION

pie, and also many others who are lawless and ignorant. It would
be well for the Home Missionary Society, in her benevolence, to
look this way, for this country is destined to exert an influence
that will be felt the world over. The Papists are at work with
all their might to get the control of the country, and have been
ever since we have been here, nearly. We hope they will not
succeed. Protestants need to be up and doing in order to save
this the only spot of the whole western coast of North America
from their iron grasp. God grant we may. For this purpose we
need more active Christians, teachers, and ministers to come to
this country from the East, and my dear father will, I hope, use
all his powers in persuading such to come. I cannot bear the
thought that my brothers and their families should go to Virginia
to settle. Why will they not come here? It is both warm and
healthy. Here they would be exerting an influence that would
be felt for good, and here they would make a comfortable living
without so much hard labor. I have written to Brother H. urging
him to come here. We want him to help us very much. I hope
he will get the letter. Brothers H. and C. I think would like the
country, if once here. His being a married man is no objection,
but rather a good reason why he should come, for with his family
here, he would be worth something to the country. O, how I
have desired, and still desire, to have Jane and Edward come as
teachers. The Lord grant that they may, and that soon, too. I
could wish that the Prattsburg colony might be turned this way,
instead of going to Virginia. They are much needed here, and
in the end would be much better satisfied, we have no doubt. I
would ask father to come, but mother says she would be afraid of
the Indians. I have a widow lady in my family who came over
this fall that is fifty-seven years old. She is an excellent woman,
so kind and motherly. She makes me think of my own dear
mother every day, and what it would be to have her here.

Mother wishes me to write about my children. I wrote last
spring very fully about them all, and if I had room I might
again say much more.

We have a good school taught by Mr. Geiger, son of Deacon

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 9 1

Geiger, formerly of Angelica. He is an excellent young man and
superior teacher — children all happy and learning fast.. Brother
Spalding's two eldest board here and go to school, and we are
expecting three from Brother Walker's. We set the table fr>r
more than twenty every day three times, and it is a pleasing
sight. Mr. G. serves the children. Mr. Rogers, the young man
that taught last winter, is still with us studying for the ministry.
He is a good young man and his Christian society affords me
much comfort. He is an excellent singer and has taught the
children to sing admirably. When they came here not one of
them could make even a noise towards singing; now they consti-
tute quite a heavy choir. None of them could read except the
three eldest very poorly; now they are quite good scholars and are
making good progress.

Six families of immigrants winter with us, and some young
men. Three of them are at the saw-mill twenty miles from here.
The children of the three families that remain here go to school;
when the}- arrived here, several were quite sick; one woman re-
mains so still, having been afflicted with the inflammation of the
lungs.

Last Saturday, Marcus was called to attend a woman at the
mill at the birth of a son. We find it quite agreeable to have
neighbors to winter with us, but this may be the last, as a good
southern route is now open into the head waters of the Willam-
ette, and all will wish, probably, to go that way, as it will be
much nearer and better.

I must tell mother of a luxury we enjoy very much, and one
that has a tendency to make us very cheerful and happy. For me
it has done much toward restoring my health to be so much bet- *
ter than it has been for several years. It is daily cold bathing.
Our students and teachers go out every morning, winter and sum- «
mer and jump into the river. Husband does it frequently, but
not so regular, on account of his business. The children all de-
light in it. Both would be glad to, all winter, if we had conven-
iences. In the summer I go with them to the river, and now
when it is warm enough, and when it is cold we take ihe tub in

92 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

the house. I know father would like to live here on that account,
and he would enjoy it so much, too, as some of our folks do. The
climate is so mild and exhilarating. Husband is doing all he can
to induce friends to come. He has written to Father Hotchkiss
inviting him, and requested him to copy and send the letter to
father, and many others.

I see I must soon stop for the want of room. The children all
send their love to their grandparents, and aunts and uncles; some
of them will be able to write soon to some of you.

I have spoken of many things and subjects, but one still re-
mains about which I should like to write, and that is the other
half of self. I wish mother was more acquainted with him; he is
all benevolence, has amazing energy of thought and action,
nothing is too hard or impossible for him to do, that can be done.
I often think he cannot last always; indeed, his strength is not
what it used to be, although his health is quite good.

We try to do good to our neighbors that winter with us. I
hold a prayer meeting with the females on Wednesday, which is
precious to us. Thursday evening is the children's meeting, which I
superintend, also. Saturday evening, Mr. Rogers has a Bible class,
in which the children bring forth the text of Scripture they have
selected on a given subject. Last week it was " Prayer"; the pres-
ent week it is the "Sabbath." Besides this, the children commit a
verse a day which is got in the morning as their first lesson to be
recited in Sabbath school.

By this mother will see that both my hands and heart are
usefully employed, not so much for the Indians directly, as
my own family. When my health failed, I was obliged to with-
hold my efforts for the natives, but the Lord has since filled my
hands with other labors, and I have no reason to complain; when
I am not overburdened with work and care, I am happy and
cheerful, but as I many times am straitened with more than I
can do and no one to assist but my children, I become fretful and
impatient. I am most happily provided for now. I have a good
girl in the kitchen, and the old lady, which relieves me a great

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 93

deal; and Mr. Geiger is such a good governor and teacher, that
the children give me little, if any, trouble as to that part. Of
course I take the place of moderator out of school. We pay the
girl one dollar and a half a week; the widow is a boarder, but
does a great deal in keeping things straight in the kitchen; do
not charge her for her board.

If this goes from the Islands to Panama and across the Isthmus,
mother will receive it in a short time; if otherwise, it may be
some time before it will reach home, if it ever does. I would be
glad to speak of the Indians, but one sheet is too small to contain
all. I would be glad to say to my dear parents, the Indians are
kind and quiet and very much attached to us, none the less so
for having so many children about us. Many that were on the
stage when we came here, are dead and new ones have taken their
places. And as husband has just written to our Board, he says
he never has felt more contented and that he was usefully em-
ployed than for the last year and the present. May the Lord in-
cline the hearts of my dear parents and friends to pray especially
for us this winter that He would send His Spirit urging us that
new souls may be born into His kingdom.

We send much love to all our relatives and friends.

Ever your dutiful and affectionate daughter,

Narcissa.
Mrs. Clarissa Prentiss,

Cuba, Allegheny Co.,

New York, U. S. A.

Oregon City, April 6, 1848.

To Stephen Prentiss, Esq., and Mrs. Prentiss, the Father and
Mother of the late Mrs. Whitman of the Oregon Mission — My Dear
Father and Mother in Christ : — Through the wonderful interposi-
tion of God in delivering me from the hand of the murderer, it
has become my painful duty to apprise you of the death of your
beloved daughter, Narcissa, and her worthy and appreciated hus-

94 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

band, your honored son-in-law, Dr. Whitman, both my own en-
tirely devoted, ever faithful and eminently useful associates in the
work of Christ. They were inhumanly butchered by their own,
up to the last moment, beloved Indians, for whom their warm
Christian hearts had prayed for eleven years, and their unwearied
hands had administered to their every want in sickness and in
distress, and had bestowed unnumbered blessings ; who claimed
to be, and were considered, in a high state of civilization and
Christianity. Some of them were members of our church; others
candidates for admission; some of them adherents of the Catho-
lic church — all praying Indians. They were, doubtless, urged on
to the dreadful deed by foreign influences, which we have felt
coming in upon us like a devastating flood for the last three or
four years; and we have begged the authors, with tears in our
eyes, to desist, not so much on account of our own lives and pro-
perty, but for the sake of those coming, and the safety of those al-
ready in the country. But the authors thought none would be in-
jured but the hated missionaries — the devoted heretics, and the
work of hell was urged on, and has ended, not only in the death
of three missionaries, the ruin of our mission, but in a bloody
war with the settlements, which may end in the massacre of
every family.

God alone can save us. I must refer you to the Herald for
my views as to the direct and remote causes which have conspired
to bring about the terrible calamity. I cannot write all to every
one, having a large family to care for; Mrs. Spalding is suffering
from the dreadful exposure during the flight and since we have
been this country— destitute of almost every thing, no dwelling
place as yet, food and raiment to be found, many, many afflicted
friends to be informed, my own soul bleeding from many wounds;
my dear sister, Narcissa, with whom I have grown up as a child
of the same family, with whom I have labored so long and so in-
timately in the work of teaching the Indians, and my beloved
Dr. Whitman, with whom I have for so many years kneeled in
praying, taking sweet connsel, have been murdered, and their
bones scattered upon the plains — the labors and hopes of many
years in an hour at an end, the house of the Lord, the mission

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 95

house, burned, and its walls demolished, the property of the Lord
to the amount of thousands of dollars, in the hands of the rob-
bers, a once large and happy family reduced to a few helpless
children, made orphans a second time, to be separated and com-
pelled to find homes among strangers; our fears for our dear
brothers Walker and Eells of the most alarming character ; our
infant settlements involved in a bloody war with, hostile Indians
and on the brink of ruin — all, all, chill my blood and fetter my
hands.

The massacre took place on the fatal 29th of November last, } ^
commencing at half past one. Fourteen persons were mur-
dered first and last. Nine men the first day. Five men es-
caped from the Station, three in a most wonderful manner, one
of whom was the trembling writer, with whom I know you will
unite in praising God for delivering even one. The names and
places of the slain are as follows: The two precious names already
given, my hand refuses to write them again. Mr. Rogers, young
man, teacher of our Mission school in winter of '46; since then
has been aiding us in our mission work and studying for the
ministry, with a view to be ordained and join our Mission; John
and Francis Sager, the two eldest of the orphan family, ages 17
and 15; Mr. Kimball of Laporte, Indiana, killed second day, left a
widow and five children; Mr. Saunders of Oskaloosa, Iowa, left a
widow and five children; Mr. Hall of Missouri, escaped to Fort
Walla Walla, was refused protection, put over the Columbia river,
killed by the Walla Wallas, left a widow and five children; Mr.
Marsh of Missouri, left a son grown and young daughter; Mr.
Hoffman of Elmira, New York; Mr. Gillan of Oskaloosa, Iowa;
Mr. Sails of latter place; Mr. Bewley of Missouri. Two last
dragged from sick beds eight days after the first massacre and
butchered; Mr. Young, killed second day. Last five were un-
married men. Forty woman and children fell captives into the
hands of the murderers, among them my own beloved daughter,
Eliza, ten years old. Three of the captive children soon died, left
without parental care, tw'o of them your dear Narcissa's, once a
widow woman's. The young women were dragged from the
house by night and beastly treated. Three of them became wives

96 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

to the murderers. One, the daughter of Mrs. Kimball, became
the wife of him who killed her father — often told her of it. One,
Miss Bewley, was taken twenty miles to the Utilla and became
the wife of Hezekiah.a principal chief and member of our church
who, up till that time, had exhibited a good character. Eight
days after the first butchery, the two families at the saw-mill,,
twenty miles distant, were brought down and the men spared to
do work for the Indians. This increased the number of the cap-
tives to forty-seven, after the three children died. In various
ways they were cruelly treated and compelled to cook and work
late and early for the Indians.

As soon as Mrs. Spalding heard of my probable death and the
captivity of Eliza, she sent two Indians (Nez Perces) to effect her
deliverance, if possible. The murderers refused to give her up
until they knew whether I was alive, as I had escaped their hands,
and whether the Americans would come up to avenge the death of
their countrymen. Should the Americans show themselves, every
woman and child should be butchered. The two sick men had
just been beaten and cut to pieces before the eyes of the help-
less children and women, their blood spilled upon the floor, and
their mangled bodies lay at the door for forty-eight hours, over
which the captives were compelled to pass for wood and water.

Eliza says when she heard the heavy blows and heard dying
groans, she stopped her ears. Such was and such had been for
several days the situation of Eliza, when the two Nez Perces, par-
ticular friends to our children, told Eliza they must return with-
out her. The murderers would not give her up. She had given
up her father as dead, but her mother was alive and up to this
hour she hoped to reach her bosom, but now this hope went out,
and she began to pine. Besides, she was the only one left who
understood the language, and was called up at all hours of the
night and kept out for hours in the cold and wet, with almost
no clothing left by the hand of the robbers, to interpret for whites
and Indians, till she was not able to stand upon her feet, and
then they beset her lying upon the floor — bed she had none —
till her voice failed from weakness.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 97

I had reached home before the Indians who went for her re-
turned, and shared with my wife the anguish of seeing the Indians
return without our child. Had she been dead, we could have giv-
en her up; but to have a living child a captive in the hands of
Indians whose hands were stained with the blood of our slain
friends, and not able to deliver her, was the sharpest dagger that
ever entered my soul. Suffice it to say, we found our daughter at
Fort Walla Walla with the ransomed captives, too weak to stand,
a mere skeleton, her mind as much injured as her health. Through
the astonishing goodness of God she has regained her health and
strength, and her mind has resumed its usual tone.

The captives were delivered by the prompt interposition and
judicious management of Mr. Odgen, Chief Factor of the H. H. B.
Co., to whom too much praise cannot be awarded. He arrived at
Walla Walla Dec. 12th. In about two weeks he succeeded in
ransoming all the captives for blankets, shirts, guns, ammuni-
tion, tobacco, to the amount of some five hundred dollars. They
were brought into the fort on Dec. 30th. Myself and those with
me arrived on the first of January. Oh, what a meeting — remnants
of once large and happy families; but our tears of grief were
mingled with tears of joy. We had not dared to hope that de-
liverance could come so soon and so complete.

For some time previous to the massacre the measles, followed
by the dysentery, had been raging in the country. The families
at Waiilatpu had been great sufferers. I arrived at Waiilatpu the
22nd of November; eight days before the dreadful deed. All the
.doctor's family had been sick, but were recovering; three of the
children were yet dangerously sick; besides Mr. Osborn, with his
sick family, were in the same house. Mrs. Osborn and three chil-
dren were dangerous; one of their children died during the week.
A young man, Mr. Bewley, was also very sick. The doctor's hands
were more than full among the Indians; three and sometimes
five died in a day. Dear sister Whitman seemed ready to sink
under the immense weight of labor and care. But like an angel
of mercy, she continued to administer with her ever-ready hand
to the wants of all. Late and early, night and day, she was by

98 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

the bed of the sick, the dying, and the afflicted. During the week,
I enjoyed several precious seasons with her. She was the same
devoted servant of the L/Ord she was when we enjoyed like prec-
ious seasons in our beloved Prattsburg many years ago, ready
to live or die for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Saturday
the Indians from the Utilla, sent for the doctor to visit their sick.
He wished me to accompany him. We started late, rode in a
heavy rain through the night, arrived in the morning. The doc-
tor attended upon the sick, and returned on the Sabbath on
account of the dangerous sickness in his family. I remained till
Wednesday. Monday morning the doctor assisted in burying an
Indian; returned to the house and was reading- -several Indians,
as usual were in the house; one sat down by him to attract his
attention by asking for medicine; another came behind him with
tomahawk concealed under his blanket and with two blows in
the back of the head, brought him to the floor senseless, probably,
but not lifeless; soon after Telaukaikt, a candidate for admission
in our church, and who was receiving unnumbered favors every
day from brother and sister Whitman, came in and took particu-
lar pains to cut and beat his face and cut his throat; but he still
lingered till near night. As soon as the firing commenced at the
different places, Mrs. Hayes ran in and assisted sister Whitman
in taking the doctor from the kitchen to the sitting-room and
placed him upon the settee. This was before his face was cut.
His dear wife bent over him and mingled her flowing tears with
his precious blood. It was all she could do. They were her last
tears. To whatever she said, he would reply "no" in a whisper,
probably not sensible. John Sager was sitting by the doctor
when he received the first blow, drew his pistol, but his arm was
seized, the room filling with Indians, and his head was cut to
pieces. He lingered till near night. Mr. Rogers, attacked at the
water, escaped with a broken arm and wound in the head, and
rushing into the house, shut the door. The Indians seemed to
have left the house now to assist in murdering others. Mr. Kim-
ball, with a broken arm rushed in; both secreted themselves up-
stairs. Sister Whitman in anguish, now bending over her dying
husband and now over the sick; now comforting the flying, scream-

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 99

ing children, was passing by the window, when she received the
first shot in her right breast, and fell to the floor. She immedi-
ately arose and kneeled by the settee on which lay her bleeding
husband, and in humble prayer commended her soul to God and
prayed for her dear children who were about to be made a second
time orphans and to fall into the hands of her direct murderers.
I am certain she prayed for her murderers, too. She now went into
the chamber with Mrs. Hayes, Miss Bewley, Catharine, and the
sick children. They remained till near night. In the meantime
the doors and windows were broken in and the Indians entered
and commenced plundering, but they feared to go into the cham-
ber. They called for sister Whitman and brother Rogers to come
down and promised they should not be hurt. This promise was
often repeated, and they came down. Your dear Narcissa, faint
with the loss of blood, was carried on a settee to the door by
brother Rogers and Miss Bewle}'. Every corner of the room was
crowded with Indians having their guns ready to fire. The chil-
dren had been brought down and huddled together to be shot.
Eliza was one. Here they had stood for a long time surrounded
by guns pointing at their breasts. She often heard the cry "Shall
we shoot?" and her blood became cold, she says, and she fell upon
the floor. But now the order was given, "Do not shoot the chil-
dren," as the settee passed through the children over the bleeding,
dying body of John. Fatal moment! The settee advanced about
its length from the door, when the guns were discharged from
without and within, the powder actually burning the faces of the
children. Brother Rogers raised his hand and cried, "my God,"
and fell upon his face, pierced with many balls. But he fell not
alone. An equal number of the deadly weapons were leveled at the
settee and, oh ! that this discharge had been deadlly. But oh ! Father
of Mercy, so it seemed good in thy sight. She groaned, she lingered.
The settee was rudely upset. — Oh, what have I done? Can the
aged mother read and live? Think of Jesus in the hands of the
cruel Jews. I thought to withhold the worst facts, but then they
would go to you from other sources, and the uncertainty would
be worse than the reality. Pardon me, if I have erred.

Francis at the same time was dragged from the children and

IOO OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

shot; all three now lay upon the ground, groaning, struggling, dy-
ing. As they groaned, the Indians beat them with their whips and
clubs, and tried to force their horses over them. Darkness dis-
persed the Indians, but the groans of the dying continued till in
night. Brother Rogers seemed to linger the longest. A short
time before Mr. Osborn and family left the hiding place, he was
heard to say in a faint voice, "Lord Jesus, come quickly," and all
was silent. The next morning they were seen to be dead, by the
children. But what a sight for those dear lambs — made a second
time fatherless, motherless; and my dear Eliza stood with them,
but she covered her face with her hands — she says she could not
look upon her dear Mrs. Whitman, always like a mother to her.
The dead bodies were not allowed to be removed till Wednesday
morning, when they were gathered together. Eliza and some of
the other girls sewed sheets around them,'a large pit was dug by a
Frenchman and some friendly Indians, and they were buried to-
gether, but so slightly that when the army arrived at the station,
they found that the wolves had dug them all up, eaten their flesh,
and scattered their bones upon the plains. "O God, the heathen
are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled
The bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the
fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the
earth. Their blood have they shed like water round about Jeru-
salem; and there was none to bury them. Help us, O God of our
Salvation, for the Glory of thy name."

Some hair from the sacred head of your dearest daughter was
found by the army, I believe rolled in a piece of paper, doubt-
less cut and put away by her own hand some two 3^ears ago. A
lock was obtained by Dr. Wilcox of East Bloomfield, New York,
which was handed to me the other day. With great satisfaction I
send it to her deeply afflicted father and mother. Precious relic!

And now, shall I attempt to sooth your bleeding hearts? It
would be like one drowning man stretching out his hand to
hold up another. I, myself, am in the deepest waters of afflic-
tion. My dear brother and sister Whitman no more; their mis-
sion house demolished; myself and family driven from our first

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION IOI

own home, and the little church which we had been gathered
around; our brothers, Walker and Eells, perhaps, slain and their
wives and children captives in the hands of the murderers. "But
why art thou disquieted, oh my soul?" "Even so, Father, for so it
seemeth good in Thy sight." "This world is poor from shore to
shore." There is no place like heaven, and it has seemed doubly
precious since the day my dear associates ended their toils, and
left this world of blood and sin to enter upon the unending song
of Moses and the Lamb. I know where you will go, my honored
father and mother in Christ, when you have read this letter, you
will go to the Mercy Seat, and there you will find balm for your
deeply wounded souls, for you know how to ask for it. And when
there, you will not forget the scattered sheep and the trembling
lambs of our broken mission.

At the time of the massacre, Perrin Whitman, nephew of Dr.
Whitman, was at The Dalles in the family of Mr. Hinman, whom
we had employed to occupy thestation which had been lately trans-
ferred to our mission by the Methodist mission. On hearing of
the bloody tragedy, they left the station and came to the Wal-
lamette. He is here. The little half-breed Spanish boy by the
name of David Malin was retained at Walla Walla. I fear he
will fall into the hands of the priests who remain in the country.
Catherine, Elizabeth, Matilda, Henrietta and Mary Ann,we brought
with us to this place; Mary Ann has since died. For the other
four we have obtained good places and they seem satisfied and
happy. Catharine is in the family of the Rev. Mr. Roberts, Super-
intendent of the Methodist mission.

Three Papists, one an Indian formerly from Canada and late
from the state of Maine, had been in the employ of the doctor a
few weeks; one a half breed with Cayuse wife, and one a Canadian
who had been in the employ of the doctor for more than a year,
seemed to have aided in the massacre, and probably secured most
of the money, watches and valuable property. The Canadian came
down with the captives, was arrested, brought before a justice,
bound over for trial at next court charged with having aided in
the murders. The night before he was arrested, he secreted in the

102 TWENTIETH ANNUAE REUNION

ground and between the boards of a house considerable of
Mr. Hoffman's money and a watch of one of the widows. The
Canadian Indian, Jo Lewis, shot Francis with his own hand and
was the first to commence breaking the windows and doors; is now
with the hostile Indians. The half-breed named Finley was
camped near the station, and in his lodge the murderers held their
councils before and during the massacre. He was at the head of
the Cayuses at the battle near the Utilla; managed by pretended
friendship, to attract the attention of our officers, while his war-
riors, unobserved, surrounded our army. As soon as they had
gained their desired position, he wheeled and fired his gun, as the
signal for the Indians to commence. Although they had the ad-
vantage of the ground, far superior in number, and the first fire,
they were completely defeated, driven from the field and finally
from their possession of the country, and expect to fortify at the
mission station at Waiilatpu. The Cayuses have removed their
families and their stock over Snake river into the Palouse coun-
try in the direction of brothers Walker and Eells. Our army came
upon them at Snake river as they about were to cross. About 1,500
head of cattle and the whole Cayuse camp were completely in their
hands. But here our officers were again for the third and fourth
time outwitted by some Indians riding up to them and pretend-
ing friendship, saying that some of their own cattle were in the
band, and begged time to separate them. Our commander having
received orders not to involve the innocent with the guilty, gave
them till morning. It is said his men actually wept at the terri-
ble mistake. Next morning, as might be expected, most of the
cattle and nearly all the Cayuse property had been crossed over
and were safe. Our army started away with some 500 head. The
Indians, with the pretended friendly ones at the head, fought all
day. At night, being double the number of the whites, the In-
dians retook their cattle. The whites were obliged to retreat to
the station. The Indians continued to fight them through the
night and the next day. The third day the officers reached the
station, none killed, but seven wounded, one badly, six of the In-
dians killed and some thirty wounded. The commander and
half of the army immediately started for this country for provis-

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 103

ions, ammunition and more men. If the few left are not soon
reinforced and supplied, they will be in danger of being cut off,
and the Indians will be down on the settlements. The com-
mander was accidentally killed on his way down.

The Lord has transferred us from one field of labor to an-
other. Through the kindness of Rev. Mr. Clark, Mr. Smith and
others, we have been brought to this place, "Tualatin Plains."
Mrs. Spalding has a large school, and I am to preach, God assist-
ing, at' three stations through the summer.

As I cannot write to all, I wish this letter printed and copies
of the papers sent to Rev. David Greene, Mission House, Boston,
Mass.; Dudley Allen, M. D., Kinsman, Trumbull Co., Ohio; Rev.
C.F. Scoville, Holland Patent, Oneida Co., New York.; Calvin C.
Stowe, Lane Seminar}', Cincinnati, Ohio; Mr. Seth Paine, Troy,
Bradford Co., Penn.; Mr. G. W. Hoffman, Elmira, Chemung Co.,
New York; Hon. Stratton H. Wheeler, Wheeler, Steuben Co.,
New York, and Christian Observer, Phildelphia, Penn.

Yours in the deep waters of affliction,

H. H. Spalding.
Hon. Stephen Prentiss, Esq.,
West Almond,
Allegheny Co., New York.

ADDITIONAL LETTERS

[The following letters of Mrs. Whitman, with an occasional
one from her husband, were secured after those preceding were
arranged for printing. This statement is made to show why
there is a break in the chronological arrangement. — GEO. H.
Himes, Secretary.]

Platte River, Just above the Forks,")
June 3d, 1836. J

Dear Sister Harriet and Brother Edward: — Friday eve, six
o'clock. We have just encamped for the night near the bluffs
over against the river. The bottoms are a soft, wet plain, and we
were obliged to leave the river yesterday for the bluffs. The face
of the country yesterday afternoon and today has been rolling
sand bluffs, mostly barren, quite unlike what our eyes have been
satiated with for weeks past. No timber nearer than the Platte,
and the water tonight is very bad — got from a small ravine. We
have usually had good water previous to this.

Our fuel for cooking since we left timber (no timber except
on rivers) has been dried buffalo dung ; we now find plenty of it
and it answers a very good purpose, similar to the kind of coal
used in Pennsylvania (I suppose now Harriet will make up a face
at this, but if she was here she would be glad to have her supper
cooked at any rate in this scarce timber country). The present
time in our journey is a very important one. The hunter brought
us buffalo meat yesterday for the first time. Buffalo were seen today
but none have been taken. We have some for supper tonight. Hus-
band is cooking it — no one of the company professes the art but
himself. I expect it will be very good. Stop — I have so much to
say to the children that I do not know in what part of my story
to begin. I have very little time to write. I will first tell you

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 105

what our company consists of. We are ten in number; five mis-
sionaries, three Indian boys and two young men employed to as-
sist in packing animals.

Saturday, 4th. Good morning, H. and E. I wrote last night
till supper; after that it was so dark I could not see. I told you
how many bipeds there was in our company last night; now for
the quadrupeds : Fourteen horses, six mules and fifteen head of
cattle. We milk four cows. We started with seventeen, but we
have killed one calf, and the Fur Company, being out of provision,
have taken one of our cows for beef. It is usually pinching
times with the Company before they reach the buffalo. We have
had a plenty because we made ample provision at Liberty. We
purchased a barrel of flour and baked enough to last us, with
killing a calf or two, until we reached the buffalo.

The Fur Company is large this year; we are really a moving
village — nearly 400 animals, with ours, mostly mules, and 70 men.
The Fur Company have seven wagons drawn by six mules each,
heavily loaded, and one cart drawn by two mules, which carries
a lame man, one of the proprietors of the Company. We have
two wagons in our company. Mr. and Mrs. S., husband and my-
self ride in one, Mr. Gray and the baggage in the other. Our In-
dian boys drive the cows and Dulin the horses. Young Miles
leads our forward horses, four in each team. Now E., if you want
to see the camp in motion, look away ahead and see first the pilot
and the captain, Fitzpatrick, just before him; next the pack ani-
mals, all mules, loaded with great packs; soon after you will see
the wagons, and in the rear, our company. We all cover quite a
space. The pack mules always string along one after the other
just like Indians.

There are several gentlemen in the company who are going
over the mountains for pleasure. Capt. Stewart (Mr. Lee speaks
of him in his journal — he went over when he did and returned)
he is an Englishman and Mr. Celam. We had a few of them to tea
with us last Monday evening, Capts. Fitzpatrick, Stewart, Major
Harris and Celam.

Io6. OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

I wish I. could describe to you how we live so that you can
realize it. Our manner of living is far preferable to any in the
States. I never was so contented and happy before, neither have
I enjoyed such health for years. In the morning as soon as the
day breaks the first that we hear is the words, "Arise ! Arise !" —
then the mules set up such a noise as you never heard, which puts
the whole camp in motion. We encamp in a large ring, baggage
and men, tents and wagons on the outside, and all the animals
except the cows, which are fastened to pickets, within the circle.
This arrangement is to accommodate the guard, who stand regu-
larly ever}' night and day, also when we are in motion, to protect
our animals from the approach of Indians, who would steal' them.
As I said, the mules' noise brings every man on his feet to loose
them and turn them out to feed.

Now, H. and E., you must think it very hard to have to get
up so early after sleeping on the soft ground, when you find it
hard work to open your eyes at seven o'clock. Just think of me
- — every morning at the word, " Arise !" we all spring. While the
horses are feeding we get breakfast in a hurry and eat it. By
this time the words, " Catch up! Catch up," ring through the
camp for moving. We are ready to start usually at six, travel
till eleven, encamp, rest and feed, and start again about two;
travel until six, or before, if we come to a good tavern, then en-
camp for the night.

vSince we have been in the prairie we have done all our cook-
ing. When we left Libert}' we expected to take bread to last us
part of the way, but could not get enough to carry us any dis-
tance. We found it awkward work to bake out of doors at first,
but we have become so accustomed to it now we do it very easily.

Tell mother I am a very good housekeeper on the prairie. I
wish she could just take a peep at us while we are sitting at our
meals. Our table is the ground, our table-cloth is an India-rubber
cloth used when it rains as a cloak; our dishes are made of tin —
basins for teacups, iron spoons and plates, each of us, and several
pans for milk and to put our meat in when we wish to set it on

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION . IO7

the table. Each one carries his own knife in his scabbard, and it
is always ready for use. When the table things are spread, after
making our own forks of sticks and helping ourselves to chairs,
we gather around ihe table. Husband always provides my seat, and
in a way that you would laugh to see. Tt is the fashion of all this
country to imitate the Turks. Messrs. Dunbar and Allis have
supped with us, and they do the same. We take a blanket and
lay down by the table, and those whose joints will let them fol-
low the fashion; others take out some of the baggage (I suppose
you know that there is no stones in this country; not a stone have
I seen of any size on the prairie). For my part I fix myself as
gracefully as I can, sometimes on a blanket, sometimes on a box,
just as it is convenient. Let me assure you of this, we relish our
food none the less for sitting on the ground while eating. We
have tea and a plenty of milk, which is a luxury in this country.
Our milk has assisted us very much in making our bread since we
have been journeying. While the Fur Company has felt the want
of food, our milk has been of great service to us; but it was con-
siderable work for us to supply ten persons with bread three times
a day. We are done using it now. What little flour we have left
we shall preserve for thickening our broth, which is excellent. I
never saw any thing like buffalo meat to satisfy hunger. We do
not want any thing else with it. I have eaten three meals of it
and it relishes well. Supper and breakfast we eat in our tent.
We do not pitch it at noon. Have worship immediately after
supper and breakfast.

Noon. — The face of the country today has been like that of
yesterday. We are now about 30 miles above the forks, and leav-
ing the bluffs for the river. We have seen wonders this forenoon.
Herds of buffalo hove in sight ; one, a bull, crossed our trail and
ran upon the bluffs near the rear of the camp. We took the
trouble to chase him so as to have a near view. Sister Spalding
and myself got out of the wagon and ran upon the bluff to see
him. This band was quite willing to gratify our curiosity, seeing
it was the first. Several have been killed this forenoon. The
Company keep a man out all the time to hunt for the camp.

108 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

Edward, if I write much more in this way I do not know as
you can read it without great difficulty. I could tell you much
more, but as we are all ready to move again, so farewell for the
present. I wish you were all here with us going to the dear In-
dians. I have become very much attached to Richard Sak-ah-
too-ah. 'T is the one you saw at our wedding; he calls me moth-
er; I love to teach him — to take care of him, and hear them talk.
There are five Nez Perces in the company, and when they are to-
gether they chatter finely. Samuel Temoni, the oldest one, has
just come into the camp with the skin and some of the meat
of a buffalo which he has killed himself. He started this fore-
noon of his own accord. It is what they like dearly, to hunt buf-
falo. So long as we have him with us we shall be supplied with
meat.

I am now writing backwards. Monday morning. — I begun to
say something here that I could not finish. Now the man from
the mountains has come who will take this to the office. I have
commenced one to sister Hull which I should like to send this
time if I could finish it. We have just met him and we have
stopped our wagons to write a little. Give my love to all. I have
not told you half I want to. We are all in health this morning
and making rapid progress in our journey. By the 4th of Jul}-
our captain intends to be at the place where Mr. Parker and
husband parted last fall. We are a month earlier passing here
than they were last spring. Husband has begun a letter to pa
and ma, and since he has cut his finger so it troubles him to
write to the rest. As this is done in a hurry I don't know as you
can read it. Tell mother that if I had looked the world over I
could not have found one more careful and better qualified to
transport a female such a distance. Husband says, " stop."

Farewell to all.

Narcissa Prentiss.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION IO9

On Platte River, 30 Miles above the Forks,)

June 4th, 1836. J

Dear Father and Mother Prentiss: — You will be anxious to
hear from us at this distance and learn our situation and pro-
gress. We have been greatly blest thus far on our journey. We
have had various trials, it is true, but they have mostly been over-
ruled for our good. Narcissa's health is much improved from
what it was when she left N. Y. We failed of going from Liberty
to Bellevue as was expected in the Fur Co's. steamboat. We were
waiting at Liberty for the boat for some time and thought we
would go on with our cattle, horses and wagons, and let Mr. All is
from the Pawnee agency stay with the ladies and go on the boat.
Accordingly Messrs. Spalding and Gray went on and I was to join
them at Cantonment Leavenworth. In the meantime Mrs. Sat-
terlee died and the boat passed but refused to stop for us. Mr.
Spalding wrote me he would wait eight miles the other side of
the garrison until I came up, so that when the boat passed I did
not send an express as I otherwise should have done, but proceeded
to hire a team to take us on; but when we arrived at the
garrison he had crossed the river and gone directly on for Belle-
vue and had been gone for three days, which caused me to have
to send an express for him, which did not overtake him until they
were within forty miles of the Platte. I followed with the women
and baggage, with a hired team. We met our teams the fourth
day on their return. From that on we were greatly favored with
fair weather, never having to encounter any rainstorm or serious
shower. We have not been once wet even to this time, and we
are now beyond where the rains fall much in summer.

We had several days delay from my going ahead to see Maj.
Dougherty's brother, who was very sick and sent for me when he
learned I was coming. It was Sabbath and we were within iN
miles of the Otto Agency, which is on the Platte, where Mr.
Dougherty lives. On Monday I sent the man who came for me af-
ter the party, and I went to see Fitzpatrick, the leader of the Fur
caravan, with whom we were to travel. I found him encamped

IIO OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

ready for a start on Thursday morning, about 25 miles from the
Otto Agency. When I returned our party had not arrived and did
not come in until Wednesday, the man who was to pilot them
having lost his way.

We had great difficulty in crossing the Platte which, together
with repairs to our wagons, detained us until Saturday noon, May
21st, and he (Fitzpatrick) had been gone from Sunday. We felt
much doubt about overtaking them, but we pushed on, and after
ferrying the Horn in a skin boat and making a very difficult ford
of the Loup, we overtook the Company at a few miles below the
Pawnee villages on Wednesday evening, We then felt that we
had been signally blessed, thanked God and took courage. We
felt it had been of great service to us that we had been disap-
pointed in these several particulars, particularly as it tested the
ability of our ladies to journey in this way. We have since made
good progress every day, and are now every way well situated,
having plenty of good buffalo meat and the cordial co-operation
of the company with whom we are journeying.

June 6th. — We have just met the men by whom we can send
letters and have to close without farther particulars or ceremony.

With Christian regards to your family, farewell.
Yours affectionately,

Marcus Whitman.

WiELETPOO.July 4th, 1838.

My Dear Sister Perkins: — Your letter was handed me on the
8th inst., a little after noon, and I must say I was a little sur-
prised to receive a return so soon. Surely, we are near each other.
You will be likely to have known opportunities of sending to us,
more frequently than I shall your way, which I hope you will
not neglect because you have not received the answer to yours. I
do not intend to be so long again in replying as I have this time.

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION III

When I received yours, I was entirely alone. My husband had
gone to brother Spalding's to assist him in putting up a house,
and soon after, we had the privilege of preparing and entertain-
ing Mr. and Mrs. McDonald and family of Colville. They came
by the way of brother Spalding's, spent nearly a week with
them and then came here. They left here last Thursday, and are
still at Walla Walla. Had a very pleasant, agreeable visit with
them. Find Mrs. McDonald quite an intelligent woman; speaks
English very well, reads and is the principal instructor of their
children. She is a correspondent, also, with myself and sister
Spalding. She appears more thoughtful upon the subject of re-
ligion than any I have met with before, and has some consistent
views. What her experimental knowledge is, I am unable to say.
It would be a privilege to have her situated near us, so that we
could have frequent intercourse; it would, no doubt be profitable.

You ask after my plan of proceedings with the Indians, etc.
I wish I was able to give you satisfactory answers. I have no
plan separate from my husband's, and besides you are mistaken
about the language being at command, for nothing is more diffi-
cult than for me to attempt to convey religious truth in their
language, especially when there are so few, or no terms expressive
of the meaning. Husband succeeds much better than I, and we
have good reason to feel that so far as understood, the truth affects
the heart, and not a little, too. We have done nothing lor the
females separately; indeed, our house is so small, and only one
room to admit them, and that is the kitchen. It is the men only
that frequent our house much.. Doubtless you have been with
the Indians long enough to discover this feature, that women are
not allowed the same privileges with the men. I scarcely see
them except on the Sabbath in our assemblies. I have frequently
desired to have more intercourse with them, and am waiting to
have a room built for them and other purposes of instruction.
Our principal effort is with the children now, and we find many
very interesting ones. But more of this in future when I have
more time.

Mr. Pamburn has sent a horse for me to ride to his place to-

112 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

morrow. Mrs. Pambrun has been out of health for some time,
and we have fears that she will not recover. As I have consider-
able preparations to make for the visit, must defer writing more
at present. In haste, I subscribe myself,

Your affectionate sister in Christ,

Narcissa Whitman.

P. S. — I long to hear from Mrs. Lee.

Walla Walla, nth.

My Dear Sister: — I am still here. The brigade arrived yester-
day and having time and opportunity to send home for this letter,
both are sent by the return boats. We have just received three
or four letters from our friends at home, they being the first news
received since we bade them farewell. Find it good to know
what is going on there, although all is not of a pleasing character.
Our Sandwich Island friends give us pleasing intelligence of the
glorious display of the power of God in converting that heathen

people in such multitudes.

Ever yours,

N. Whitman.
Rev. Mrs. H. K. W. Perkins,

Wascopum,

La Dalls.

WlELETPOO, Nov. 5th, 1838.

My Dear Sister Perkins: — I did not think when 1 received
your good long letter that I should have delayed until this time
before answering it. But so varied are the scenes that have
passed before me, so much company and so man)' cares, etc., be-
sides writing many letters home, that I beg you will excuse me.
Notwithstanding all this, I have often, very of ten, thought of you
and wished for the privilege of seeing you. I must confess I do
not like quite so well to think of you where you now are as when

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION I 13

you were nearer. Why did you go? Some of our sisters here
might just as well as not have spent a short season with you this
fall (for they have nothing else to do, conparatively speaking)
rather than to have you and your dear husband lose so much
time from your interesting field of labour; and besides we fear
the influence of the climate of the lower country upon your
health. Our prayer is that the Lord will deal gently with you
and bless and preserve you to be a rich and lasting good to the
benighted ones for whom you have devoted your life.

How changed the scene now with us at Wieletpoo from what
it has been in former days. Instead of husband and myself
stalking about here like two solitary beings, we have the society
of six of our brethren and sisters who eat at our table and expect
to spend the winter with us. This is a privilege we highly praise,
especially when we come to mingle our voices in prayer and praise
together before the mercy seat, and hear the word of God preached
in our own language from Sabbath to Sabbath, and to commune
together around the table of our dear Son and Saviour Jesus
Christ. Those favours, dear sister, almost make us forget we are
i>u heathen ground. Since I last wrote you we have enjoyed re-
freshing seasons from the hand of our Heavenly Father in the
conviction and conversion of two or three individuals in our
family. Doubtless Brother Lee has given you the particulars, yet
! wish to speak of it for our encouiagement who have been en-
gaged in the concert of prayer on Tuesday evening for the year
past. I verily believe we have not prayed in vain, for our revival
seasons have been on that evening, and I seem to feel, too, that
the whole atmosphere in all Oregon, is effected by that meeting,
for the wicked know far and near, that there are those here who
pray. We have every reason to be assured tha* were there more
faith and prayer and consecration to the work among ourselves,
we should witness in the heathen around us many turning to
the Lord. If I know my own heart I think I, too, desire to be
freed from so many worldly cares and perplexities, and that my
time may be spent in seeking the immediate conversion of these
dear heathen to God. O, what a thought to think of meeting

114 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

them among the blood-washed throng around the throne of God!
Will not their songs be as sweet as any we can sing? What joy
will then fill our souls to contemplate the privilege we now enjoy
of spending and being spent for their good. If we were constantly
to keep our eyes on the scenes that are before us, we should
scarcely grow weary in well doing, or be disheartened by the few
trials and privations through which we are called to pass.

Dear sister, I have written in great haste and hope you will
excuse me. Wishing and expecting to hear from you soon, of
your prosperity and happiness, with much love and sisterly
affection to you and yours, believe me,

Ever yours in the best of bonds,

Narcissa Whitman.
Rev. Mrs. H. K. W. Perkins,

Wallamette.

WiELETPOO, Feb. 18th, 1839.

My Dear- Sister:—! received your letter last week, although
written in Dec. We had some time ago the pleasure of reading of
your husband's visit to the Willamette, in an acccount which he
gives the particulars relative to the protracted meeting there. Be
assured we rejoiced with you and angels in heaven at such a glor-
ious display of the power of our God, and stretch out our hearts
to desire a like blessing upon ourselves and our heathen neigh-
bors.

I am much interested in the people at Vancouver, and am
pleased to hear of the ladies' improvement, and earnestly hope the
good work may extend to that place also, and jthat your deten-
tion there may result in great good to many souls.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 115

•
The Lord will take care of those Roman priests there. It is

doubtless for some wise purpose he has permitted them to enter
this country. May we be wise and on the alert, and show our-
selves as true, faithful, energetic in our Master's work as they do,
and we shall have no cause to fear, for there are more for us than
against us. I trust it has had some influence upon us, their pres-
ence in this country; at least we feel it our duty to use every
possible effort to obtain the language of the people, and not hav-
ing as good an opportunity amid the cares of our family as we
could wish, we, husband, self and little Alice, left our dwelling
and went about sixty-five miles to a camp of Indians, in January,
and was gone nearly three weeks, and received much benefit. Pre-
vious to this, husband had been over to Brother S.'s to attend a pro-
tracted meeting, held at the same time with yours at the W. And
now we are on the eve of another departure. We expect to-mor-
row morn to start on a visit to Brother S.'s to attend a meeting of
the mission, and also another protracted meeting with the Indians,
when it is expected that nearly all the Nez Perces will be present.
We feel deeply anxious for our people, and it seems sometimes as
if the blessing was almost within reach for them, but it is with-
held, and doubtless because the Lord sees that we are not pre-
pared to receive it. O, for that deep humility, strong faith, re-
pentance and union of soul in prayer which was the secret of suc-
cess in your meeting, and which characterizes every revival of re-
ligion. But 1 must be excused from writing more at this time.
Shall want to hear from you just as soon as you shall have ar-
rived home. Should judge from sister Walker's letter from you
that the dear little babe, Henry Johnson, had got considerable
hold of its mother's affections already. Precious trust, that, dear
sister — an immortal mind to rear for Eternity. The Lord bless
you and give you grace and wisdom to train that child for His
glory, both in this world and hereafter, and make you feel contin-
ually that, what ever you do for him, you do it as belonging to
the Lord, as given to Him and only a lent blessing to you, to train
up for Him. But more of this another time.

Il6 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

With kind regards to your husband and Brother Lee, who we
hope is again cheered with the society of his fellow associates
by this time, and a kiss for the little one,

I ani your affectionate sister,

N. Whitman.

P. S. — Mrs. VJ. will tell you her stor}' herself as she has more
time than I at present.

c-w, N-w-

Rev. Mrs. Perkins,

Wascopum.

Care of

Lieut. P. C. Pambrun,

Fort Walla Walla.

WiELETPOO, March 23, 1S39.

My Dear Sister : — Yours of theSth inst. I received the evening
of my return to this place from Clearwater. It had been waiting
me but a day or two, I believe. I am happy to hear that you are
once more so near us again. I received a hint from Sister White
in her last letter that yourself and husband were on the way, or
soon would be, to pay us a visit. I fear my last letter informing
you of my absence has discouraged your coming. Had I received
the least intimation that it were possible for you to visit us while
our sisters were all here, I would have been at home without fail.
The open winter and spring has made it more favourable for
them to leave for the upper station much earlier than was ex-
pected. They left the first of March just before I returned. We
tnet them, however, on the Palouse, after they had been out five
<la\s. All was well; the babe was enduring the journey as well as
could be expected. I hope you will still think of coming this
season. We shall be happy to see you.

I visited Mrs. Pambrun on Monday of this week — found her

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 117

in much better health than I once feared she ever would be
again. She certainly talks English very well. I found myself
able to obtain all the information concerning Vancouver I could
wish. Maria has been with me a short time, and for her sake I
would have been happy to have had her remain longer; but she
could not be persuaded to stay from her mother any longer. We
have a daughter of Mr. McKay's with us now — for little more
than a year. She improves very much and promises to make a .
valuable person if she can be kept long enough.

You wished me to write something about my little girl. I do
not know what to tell you than to say she is a large, healthy and
strong child, two years old the 14th of this month. She talks
both Nez Perces and English quite fluently, and is much inclined
to read her book with the children of the family, and sings all
our Nez Perces hymns and several in English. Her name is Alice
Clarissa. You dreamed of seeing her, you say. I hope it will be
a reality soon, for I am very anxious to see young Henry John-
son, too. I am glad he learns to bear the yoke so well, not in his
youth, but in his infancy. Exposures in journeyings in this
country appear to be a benefit rather than an injury to our chil-
dren. I have taken several with Alice, and they have generally
been in the winter. When she was nine months old we went to
Brother Spalding's to attend upon our sister at the birth of their
child. It was in November, and we returned in December by
way of Snake river, in a canoe. It was a tedious voyage, but we
neither of us received any injury.

We intend to be very free from worldly cares this season, and
apply ourselves entirely to the missionary work of studying the
language and teaching. After our successful trial of last winter's
encamping with the Indians husband feels that he has n'o excuse
for not taking me again and again, and I can make no objec-
tion, notwithstanding it would be far easier for me to stay at
home with my child, and perhaps better for her; but the roving
habits of the Indians make it necessary for us either to do so, or
else spend the greater part of our time alone, during their ab-
from the Station. Husband is appointed to commence an out-sta-

Il8 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

tion on the Snake river at the mouth of the Tukanon, and besides
spending some time there during the fishing season, we intend
to go to Grand Round with the Kayuses.

Brother and Sister Smith will probably go somewhere in the
heart of the Nez Perce country, beyond Brother Spalding's, in or-
der to commence translating the Scriptures immediately. We
find work enough to do for all hands, and our daily prayer is
that God will pour out His spirit on these benighted minds and
turn their darkness into light, and make them His.

I hope you will continue to write often and freely. I do not
see how you get along and learn so many languages. What is
the particular benefit? We hear many spoken, but we intend to
learn only one, and make that the general one for the country.
We are all enjoying good health. Received a letter from Sister
Spalding saying that Sister Gray was happily the mother of a
little son — had a remarkably short and easy sickness and is doing
well. The *babe weighed nine pounds.

Please give my kind regards to your husband and Brother
Lee. Hope he finds the monotony of Wascopam much changed
by the return of its former occupants, particularly when there is
such a pleasing addition.

Yours in love,

N. Whitman.

Rev. Mrs. Perkins,

Wascopam.

Wieletpoo, Walla Walla River, Oregon Territory, \

May 17th, 1839. i

My Dear Jane : — This is a late hour for me to commence my
home correspondence. Yesterday Mr. Ermatinger, who com-
mands the expedition instead of Mr. McLeod and McKay, left
here, after spending a night with us, for the mountains. We have

*Capt. J. H. D. Gray, of Astoria.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 119

felt much uncertainty about letters sent this way reaching you,
this year. There is some doubt in Mr. E.'s mind about his being
able to go as far as the American Rendevous; if he does not, there
probably will be no one to take them and bear them on, and it
must be a known hand, too, for it is not safe to trust letters to
those reckless beings who inhabit the Rocky Mountain's. Besides
this reason, we have b°en so much on the wing since the first day
of January, that it has not been easy to write. If you have re-
ceived my fall letters, they will show you where and how we were
situated for the winter. In December, just three months afteu
the arrival of the re-enforcement, Mrs. Walker gave birth to a fine
son, here in our house. Mr. Smith had but just removed into the
new house built last fall and winter after my husband's return
from Vancouver. She did not recover without three relapses; suf-
fered much from sore breasts and nipples, and what to me would
be the greatest affliction, no nipples at all. Her poor babe had to
depend upon a foreign native nurse or milk from the cows.

Mrs. Gray had a son born in March, the twentieth — recovered
in a short time.

I said to you that we had been on the wing. January the first
day, husband started to go to Brother Spalding's to attend a pro-
tracted meeting; after the close, and on his return, he formed a
plan of going and living with the Indians for the benefit of having
free access to the language and to be free from care and company.
He had no difficulty to persuade me to accompany him, for I was
nearly exhausted, both in body and mind, in the labour and care
of our numerous family. Accordingly we left home on the 23rd
of January. It was about fifty miles from our place; we arrived
on the third day; had a pleasant journey and quite warm for the
season of the year; we slept in a tent and made a fire before the
mouth of it. We had not been there but two or three days before
it became very cold and snowed some. This with the smoke
made Alice cry some, and we were obliged to put up a lodge
around the fire at the mouth of the tent to prevent the smoke
from troubling us. While there I attempted to write you about

120 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNJON

us, but was soon obliged to give it up. I will make one extract
from what I did write :

"Sab. at Tukanon, Jan. 27, 1S39. — This has been a day of pe-
culiar interest here. Could you have been an eye witness of the
scenes you would, as I do, have rejoiced in being thus privileged.
The morning worship at daybreak I did not attend. At midday
I was present. Husband talked to them of the parable of the rich
man and Lazarus; all listened with eager attention. After
prayer and singing, an opportunity was given for those who had
heavy hearts under a sense of sin, and only those, to speak if they
wished it. For a few moments all 6at in silence; soon a promi-
nent and intelligent man named Timothy broke the silence with
sobs weeping. He arose, spoke of his great wickedness, and how
very black his heart was; how weak and insufficient he was of
himself to effect his own salvation; that his only dependence
was in the blood of Christ to make him clean and save his soul
from sin and hell. He was followed by a brother, who spoke
much to the same effect. Next came the wives of the first and of
the second, who seemed to manifest deep feelings. Several others
followed; one in particular, while confessing her sins, her tears
fell to the ground so copiously that I was reminded of the weep-
ing " Mary who washed her Saviour's feet with her tears." All
manifested much deep feeling; some in loud sobs and tears; oth-
ers in anxious and solemn countenance. You can better imagine
my feelings than I can describe them on witnessing such a scene
in heathen lands. They bad but recently come from the meeting
at Brother Spalding's. We know not their hearts or motives of
action, but our sincere prayer is that they all may be gathered to
His fold as the children of His flock.

" O, my dear Jane, could you see us here this beautiful eve,
the full moon shining in all her splendor, clear, yet freezing cold,
my little one sleeping by my side, husband at worship with the
people within hearing, and I sitting in the " door of the tent"
writing, with my usual clothing except a shawl, and handker-
chief on my head, and before me a large comfortable fire in the
open air. Do you think we suffer? No, dear Jane; I have not

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION 121

realized so much enjoyment for a long time as 1 have since I
have been here. I know mo her will say it is presumption for
them to expose themselves and that child to the inclemencies of
such a season. We are all much better prepared to endure and
secured from the cold than any we see about us, and ought not
to say we suffer; and besides, Alice's health has improved since
she left the house. But the advantages we expect to derive from
associations with and benefiting them will more than compen-
sate us for the little inconvenience we now experience. The
meeting is closed and I write no more."

I was not able to write more after this. We stayed into the
third week and were necessarily called home sooner than was ex-
pected. We had been home but just a week when husband was
called to attend the meeting of our mission. I was permitted to
accompany him. We started on Tuesday noon in a rainstorm,
and reached there on Friday a little after noon, making no miles'
in three days on horseback, Alice riding with her father. This
was in Feb. In March we returned, but not in the same way.
Here F think I must stop, for if I should go into particulars it
would take more time than 1 can command at present.

.Mr. Hall and wife have arrived from the Sandwich Islands.
They have come for the benefit of Mrs. H.'s health; brought a
printing press, which is stationed at Mr. S.'s, and next week hus-
band expects to go there to make arrangements for the benefit of
Mrs. H.'s health. She is affected with a spinal irritation and ap-
pears just like L. Linslev; sits up but very little; was carried
there in a boat up the Snake river. He thinks he can cure her.
He has had several cases since he has been here, all with good
success. Others write us if Mrs. Hall is benefited, they will prob-
ably come. We feel closely united to that mission. Our number
of correspondents increase. Mrs. Judd and Mrs. Whitney write l<>
me.

The Indians we encamped with were Xez Perces. The most
of them were not so hardened in sin; or, rather, they were not so
proud a people as our people, the Wieletpoos, are; the most of ours
have been absent during the winter, and returned just the time

122 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

we returned from Tukanon. Husband spent more than usual
time in worship and instructing them, and instead of yielding to
the truth they oppose it vigourously, and to this day some of
them continue to manifest bitter opposition.

You know not how much we are expecting Brother and Sister
Judson, and if we do not see him in July by the ship, I shall feel
that he is coming across the mountains with Brother Lee. We
need help very much, and those who will pray, too. In this we
have been disappointed in our helpers last come, particularly the
two Revs, who have gone to the Flatheads. They think it not
good to have too many meetings, too many prayers,and that it is
wrong and unseemly for a woman to pray where there are men,
and plead the necessity for wine, tobacco, etc.; and now how do
you think I have lived with such folks right in my kitchen for
the whole winter? If you can imagine my feelings you will do
more than I can describe. To have such dampers thrown upon us
when we were enjoying such a precious revival season as we were
when they came, is more than I know how to live under. This, with
so much care and perplexity, nearly cost me a fit of sickness; and
I do not know but it would have taken my life had it not been
for the journey I was permitted to take the last of the winter.
What I write here had better be kept to yourselves lest it should
do injury.

We have just this moment received the news that the ship
from England had arrived, but has brought no letters for us from
our dear friends, because the ships had not arrived from the States
to the Islands when she passed. We know not when we shall
hear from home. I do not know where to send this because you
say you visit Onondaga next summer. O, how I long to hear
about them there. O, that you would all write me, and each take
a different subject, so as to tell me all the news you can.

With much love from husband, Alice and myself to you all
and all with whom you are concerned, adieu.

Your sister, in haste,

Narcissa Whitman.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION I 23

P. S. — A. C. talks much, sings much, loves to read her book, and
every morning at worship repeats her verse as regularly as morning
comes; and appears to take a part in the worship, especially in
the singing, as if she was as old as her mother; and often is very
much disappointed if we do not give the tunes she is acquainted
with; and she and her mother often talk about her relatives in
the States. I might write half a sheet about our dear daughter,
but have not time. Mr. Hall says much to us about the evils of
allowing her to learn the native language, as well as our corres-
pondents there. I can assure you we feel deeplv for her. We
know not what is our duty concerning her. In order to prevent
it it appears that I must take much of my time from intercourse
with the natives. I cast myself upon the Lord. I know He will
direct in every emergency, and so farewell. Pray for us and the
heathen. We hope and pray for a revival of religion. If our own
hearts were united and right we should see it soon, and a general
one, too. M. W.

N. W.

A. C. W.
Miss Jane A. Prentiss,

Quincy,

Illinois.

Wihletpoo, June 25th, 1839.

My Dear Sister: — Your letter of April inst. I received but a
few days ago, or it would have been answered much sooner. You
make some important inquiries concerning my treatment of my
precious child, Alice Clarissa, now laying by me a lifeless lump of
clay. Yes, of her I loved and watched so tenderly, I am bereaved.
My Jesus in love to her and us has taken her to himself.

Last Sabbath, blooming in health, cheerful and happy in
herself and in the society of her much loved parents, yet in one
moment she disappeared, went to the river with two cups to get
some water for the table, fell in and was drowned. Mysterious
event! we can in no wav account for the circumstances connected

124 TWENTIETH ANNUAL REUNION

with it, otherwise than that the Lord meant it should be so,
Husband and I were both engaged in reading. She had just a
few minutes before been reading to her father; had got down out
of his lap, and as my impression, was amusing herself by the door
in the yard. After a few moments, not hearing her voice, I sent
Margaret to search for her. She did not find her readily, and in-
stead of coming to me to tell that she had not found her, she
went to the garden to get some radishes for supper; on seeing her
pass to the water to wash them, I looked to see if Alice was with
her, but saw that she was not. That moment I began to be
alarmed, for Mungo had just been in and said there were two cups
in the river. We immediately inquired for her, but no one had
seen her. We then concluded she must be in the river. We
searched down the river, and up and down again in wild dismay,
but could not find her for a long time. Several were in the river
searching far down. By this time we gave her up for dead. At
last an old Indian got into the river where she fell in and looked
along by the shore and found her a short distance below. But it
was too late; she was dead. We made' every effort possible to
bring her to life, but all was in vain. On hearing that the cups
were in the river, I resolved in my mind how they could get
there, for we had not missed them. By the time I reached the
water-side and saw where they were, it came to my recollection
that I had a glimpse of her entering the house and saying, with
her usual glee, "ha, ha, supper is most ready" (for the table had
just been set), "let Alice get some water," at the same time taking
two cups from the table and disappearing. Being absorbed in
reading I did not see her or think anything about her — which
way she went to get her water. I had never known her to go to
the river or to appear at all venturesome until within a week past.
Previous to this she has been much afraid to go near the water
anywhere, for her father had once put her in, which so effectually
frightened her that we had lost that feeling of anxiety for her in
a measure on its account. But she had gone; yes, and because my
Saviour would have it so. He saw it necessary to afflict us, and
has taken her away. Now we see how much we loved her, and
you know the blessed Saviour will not have His children bestow

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 25

an undue attachment upon creature objects without reminding
us of His own superior claim upon our affections. Take warning,
dear sister, by our bereavement that you do not let your dear babe
get between your heart and the Saviour, for you like us, are sol-
itary and alone and in almost the dangerous necessity of loving
too ardently the precious gift, to the neglect of the giver.

Saturday evening, 29 — After ceasing effort to restore our dear
babe to life, we immediately sent for Brother Spalding and others
to come to sympathize and assist in committing to the grave her
earthly remains. Tuesday afternoon Mr. Hall reached here. Mr.
S. and wife took a boat and came down the river to Walla Walla,
and reached here Thursday morning, nine o'clock, and we buried
her that afternoon, just four days from the time her happy-
spirit took its flight to the bosom of her Saviour. When I write
again, I will give you some particulars of her short life, which
are deeply interesting to me, and will be to you, I trust, for you,
too, are acquainted with a mother's feelings and a mother's heart.

Probably we may return to Clearwater with Brother and
Sister S., as it is necessary for my husband to go on business for

the mission. Dear sister, do pray for me in this trying bereave-
ment, for supporting grace to bear without murmuring thought,
the dealings of the blessed God inward us, and that it may be
sanctified to the good of our souls and of these heathen around
us.

O! on what a tender thread hangs these mortal frames*, and
how soon we vanish and are gone. She will not come to me, but
I shall sm hi go to her. Let me speak to you of the great mercj
of my Redeemer toward one so unworthy. You know not, neither
can I tell you, how much He comforts and sustains me in this
trying moment. He enables me to say, "The Lord gave and the
Lord hath taken away, blessed, ever blessed, be the name of the
Lord."

Sister Spalding sends love to you and will write you soon.

In haste, as ever your affectionate, but now afflicted sister in
Christ, N. Whitman'.

Rev. Mrs. II. K. W. Perkins,

Wascopum.

126 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

WlELETPOO, July 26th, 1839.

Very Dear Sister: — You know not how like an angel's visit
your dear husband's presence has been to me, now in my truly
lonely situation, for my dear husband has been absent for a week.
This added to the death of my precious Alice has almost over-
come me. He proposes to leave early in the morning; I would
gladly detain him if I could till my husband's return. I thought
I must write a few lines to endeavor to persuade you to under-
take a visit to us when he comes to go to the general meeting. I
think I have removed all his objections and made it appear easy
for him to carry your dear babe. Now if you knew how easy we
get along in traveling with children, you would not hesitate for
a moment. I need not say that I want to see you very much and
shall expect you will come, and we will go together to brother
Spalding's. Do come; it will do you good; it will do us all good
to meet together and mingle our prayers and tears before the
throne of grace.

I have been talking to your husband much about Alice.
When I see you I can tell you all. I am not able to say any-
thing about her now for want of time. It would do me much
good to see little Henry, and I shall feel that you will come and
will have no occasion to regret or feel that you have lost time by
it. We shall expect to have a meeting of our National Associa-
tion, which we anticipate will be interesting to us all, especiall}-
mothers.

You will excuse this hasty note, I trust. I will write more
next time, if you do not come.

Believe me ever your affectionate sister in the Lord.

N. Whitman.

P. S. — I ought to have said before this that your kind and
sympathizing letter was a cordial to my afflicted heart. Remem-
ber me to Brother Lee and. kiss the babe for me.

N. W.
Rev. Mrs. H. K. W. Perkins,

Wascopum.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 27

Waiilatpu, Jan. 1st, 1840.

My Dear Sister Perkins: — I have been trying to imagine a rea-
son for so long silence, for I have received no letters from you
since writing my two last. Hope you have not been sick. You
have had much company, I know, as well as we here. We hear
from you, notwithstanding, and our hearts greatly rejoice to learn
of the success of your labours there. Brother Hall has favoured us
with the perusal of your husband's letters. O, that we could be
with 3'ou in the gracious visitations. My soul longs, yea, thirsts,
for seasons like many I have been witness and partaker of, in my
native land. I am tired of living at this poor dying rate. To be
a missionary in name and to do so little or nothing for the bene-
fit of heathen souls, is heart-sickening. I sometimes almost wish to
give my place to others who can do more for their good. With us
we need more prayer and lioly living. But with our hearts divid-
ed between our appropriate missionary work and getting a living,
how can we expect it otherwise? — yet this is no excuse. We think
of you often, and daily are you remembered at the Throne of Grace.
We rejoice that our Indians attend your meetings. O, that their
hardened hearts might be touched by the power of Divine Truth,
and they be made to taste the dying and redeeming love. A very
few are with us for the winter and I have a school of about twen-
ty. Their being absent so much of the time is exceedingly try-
ing to us. Do write me and let me learn how you enjoy the prec-
ious seasons your husband writes of.

How does young Henry do? Sweet babe, I should like dearly
to see him and his mother, also. Sister Spalding has a son.

Kind regards to your husband and believe me as ever,

Your affectionate sister, in bonds of Christian love,

N. Whitman.

128 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

Waiilatpu, W. W. River, Oregon Territory,

Oct. ioth,

liTory, 1
1840. f

My Dear Father: — It does us a great deal of good to receive
letters from our dear parents, although it is no oftener than once
in two years. I am sorry my letters are so long in reaching home,
and can see no good reason for it, especially after they get into
the States. I write twice a year regularly many letters, but do not
receive answers to all I write. I am happy to hear that father
and mother have found a permanent resting place and did not re-
move to the west. It is a pleasure to me to think of them as sta-
tionary and not moving about. It does us good to know all the
particulars about those we love, and we may rest assured that the
Lord will take care of them, and not leave them to suffer when
old age is upon them. We have recently heard much about home
and friends from Mr. and Mrs. Littlejohn, who are now with us.
She was the Miss Sadler that lived a,^ Brother Hall's, when I left.
It makes me leel quite acquainted with home scenes once more.
It is good to associate with warm-hearted revival Christians on?e
more. We have none in our mission of as high-toned piety as we
could wish, especially among those who came in our last re-en-
forcements. They think it is wrong for females to pray in the pres-
ence of men, and do not allow it even in our small circles here.
This has been a great trial to me, and I have almost sunk under
it. Mr. Clark and company have been with us now for nearly
two mouths past, and we have had many precious seasons of
prayer and social worship together, which seems like revival sea-
sons at home that I used to enjoy.

We wish they had come out under the Board, both for our
sakes, theirs and the mission cause. We fear they will suffer. At
any rate, they cannot do any thing at present, and for a good
while to come, of missionary work, but take care of themselves.
We hope no more will come in this way. Those who came last
year got themselves into difficulty when they first started; it in-
creased all the way, and they still are not reconciled and we fear
never will be. They are living upon us; have done nothing yet
but explore a little, and appear to know not what to do, but

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 29

rather die than to give up their plans and say to the Christian
world, it is wrong to go out in opposition to the Board.

Mr. Munger we have employed to finish our house. Men of
great funds might go into the field and do good, but poor Chris-
tians cannot, even if they depend upon irresponsible churches.
What the Lord will do with them we know not. Mrs. Griffin's
health was poor when she came, and since she has been with us
this summer she has been quite laid by with spinal complaint.

But enough of this. Our trials dear father knows but little
about. The missionaries' greatest trials are but little known to
the churches. I have never ventured to write about them for
fear it might do hurt. The man who came with us is one who
never ought to have come. My dear husband has suffered more
from him in consequence of his wicked jealousy, and his great
pique towards me, than can be known in this world. But he suf-
fers not alone — the whole mission suffers, which is most to be de-
plored. It has nearly broken up the mission. This pretended
settlement with father, before we started, was only an excuse, and
from all we have seen and heard, both during the journey and
since we have been here, the same bitter feeling exists. His prin-
cipal aim has been at me; as he has said, "Bring out her charac-
ter," "Expose her character;" as though I was the vilest creature
on earth. It is well known I never did anything before I left
home to injure him, and I have done nothing since, and my hus-
band is as cautious in speaking and thinking evil of him or treat-
ing him unkindly, as my own dear father would .be, yet he does
not, nor has he, received the same kindness from him since we
have been missionaries together.

Every mind in the mission that he has had access to, he has
tried to prejudice against us, and did succeed for a while, which
was the cause of our being voted to remove and form a new station.
This was too much for my husband's feelings to bear, and so many
arrayed against him and for no good reason. He felt as if he
must leave the mission, and no doubt would have done it, had
not the Lord removed from us our beloved child. This affliction
softened his feelings and made him willing to suffer the will of

I

130 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

the Lord, although we felt that we were suffering wrongfully.
The death of our babe had a great affect upon all in the mission;
it softened their hearts towards us, even Mr. S.'s for a season. I
never have had any difficulty with his wife; she has treated me
very kindly to my face, but recently I have learned that she has
always partook of the feelings of her husband. I have always
loved her and felt as if no one could speak against her. The Lord
in His providence has brought things around in such a way, that
all see and feel where the evil lies, and some of them are writing
to the Board and proposing measures to have an overture and set-
tlement made, and it may require his removal or return to effect
it; not so much for his treatment toward us as some others also.
A particular charge brought against him is duplicity. It is pain-
ful for me to write thus concerning us here; and this is but a
small item of what might be said. I have long had a desire
to have some few judicious friends know our trials, so that
they may understand better how to pray for us. If this mission
fails, it will be because peace and harmony does not dwell among
its members. Our ardent desire and prayer is that it may not
fail. It is this state of things among us that discourages us.
When we look at the people and the providence of God, we are
more and more encouraged every year.

Since the return of the Indians this fall, it has seemed as if
we were on the eve of a revival. Many of the principal Indians are
deeply affected by the truth; some manifest it by bitter opposi-
tion, which does not discourage us, although our faith is greatly
tried.

19th — Dear Father: — I have been interrupted in writing this
letter on account of ill health. It affects me unfavorably to write
much; indeed, I am pretty much confined to my room, which is a
very comfortable place, the most so of any I have found since I have
been here. Since writing the above on the morning of the 16th,
a message arrived and took my husband away as in a moment.
It was from our Brother Smith, about a hundred and eighty miles
from here. He wrote that the Indians were asking him to give
them property and food, and wishing him to pay for the land he oc-

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION 131

cupied. He told them he could not say anything about it; they be-
came very angry and told him to move off to-morrow; he said he
could not, but they still insisted upon it with great insolence, until
he was obliged to tell them he would go. Sister Smith writes me
that they are afraid for their lives and the}- ask for help irumediatelv
to come and remove them. Husband has gone and expects to be
obliged to bring them away here. What the result will be the Lord
only knows. The two principal instigators are brothers to the
Indian who went to the United States for some one to come and
teach them, that we read about as the first news west of the Rocky
mountains. How transient is the missionaries' home. I believe
we most of us feel that "we have no abiding city here."

I seldom write home without speaking of one or both of us
being absent or about to be. We journey a great deal and that,
with other causes, has nearly worn me out, and my husband, too.
I cannot say all I should like for want of time and strength.
Part of the contents of this sheet, ought not to be circulated; it
may do hurt. I do not wish it made public, for any one to muke
an ill use of it.

I am almost discouraged about Marcus ever finding time to
write many letters to our friends at home; he has written none for
a year past; he would if he could; he is away now and I do not
know when he will return.

I began to write about the state of the people. Of late mv
heart yearns over them more than usual. They feel so bad, dis-
appointed, and some of them angry because husband tells them
that none of them are Christians; that they are all of them in
the broad road to destruction, and that worshipping will not save
them. They try to persuade him not to talk such bad talk to
them, as they say, but talk good talk, or tell some story, or his-
tory, so that they may have some Scripture names to learn. Some
threaten to whip him and to destroy our crops, and for a long
time their cattle were turned into our potato field every night to

132 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

see if the}- could not compel him to change his course of instruc-
tion with them.

These things did not intimidate us; it only drove us to a
throne of grace with greater earnestness to plead for blessings to
descend upon them. Our hearts only pant for time to have our
whole minds given up to instructing them without being distract-
ed with so many cares which are necessarily upon us, not for our-
selves so much as for others. It has and still seems as if a rich
blessing was near at hand for us and them, and sometimes I al-
most seem to grasp it. Why does the blessing stay ? Is it be-
cause there is so few hands to labour and there is much rubbish
to be cleared away? Or is it because of our unbelief and impiety
of heart? Doubtless, both. O, for more deep and ardent piety in
every heart; but particularly in my own and husband's. Will
dear father pray that missionaries may be more holy and heaven-
ly-minded, and less selfish. Could the churches at home be set
down in heathen lands and see and know their missionaries as
they know themselves, O how they would pray for them and feel
and sympathize with them.

When will Christians cease to feel that their missionaries
are such good people that they do not need to feel and pray for
them as they pray for one another.

Dear Sister Jane writes that the Lord will do wonders for the
heathen world this year, and we expect it, too, and may our
hopes be realized.

I wish it did not hurt me so to write. I am very weak and
feeble, and much thinking or excitement overcomes me. I should
have got well long ago, I think, if it were possible for me to be
quiet, with so many people about me and so much transpiring.
Rest is not for us in this world. Dear mother says it seems as
if she might see us again in this world. I do not know as I have
such a thought; although it may not be impossible. I have
long felt it more probable that we should never meet, and
have thought more of meeting my friends in heaven than in
this world, unless the Providence of God should make it neces-

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 33

sary for us to leave the field. Our united choice would be to live
and die here — to spend our lives for the salvation of this people.
Yes, dear parents, we have ever been contented and happy, not-
withstanding all our trials, and let come what will, we had
rather die in the battle than to retreat, if the Lord will only ap-
pear for us and remove all that is in the way of His salvation;
take up every stumbling block out of our hearts and from this
mission, and prosper His own cause here. Our ardent prayer isy
Lord let not this mission fail; for our Board says it is the last
effort they shall make for the poor Indians: — and may the dear
Christians at home feel to urge up their requests to God in our
behalf. This is what we need more than anything else.

Once more, dear father, farewell. The Lord deal gently with
my beloved parents in the decline of life; support them in deatb,
and safely house them and us in His presence forever.

As ever, I remain, your affectionate daughter,

Narcissa Whitman.
Hon. Stephen Prentiss,

Angelica,

Allegheny County

New York, U. S. A.

Waiieatpu, W. W. River, Oregon Territory,!

Oct. 9th, 1840. j

My Dear Mother: — I cannot express the satisfaction we en-
joyed in receiving, beholding and perusing dear mother's own
letter; her own words and thoughts, written with her own hand.
It arrived the first of June. An Indian brought it with other
letters from Walla Walla after dark. We were in bed and had
just got to sleep when he announced that letters had come. We
could not wait until morning, but lighted a candle and read
them. I received no other communications except what was con-

134 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

tained in that sheet from father, mother and Harriet, from the
States; but some from the Islands. It was enough to transport
me in imagination to that dear circle I loved so well, and to pre-
vent sleep from returning that night. I have long looked and
longed for something that would seem like conversing with dear
mother once more, and now it has arrived; I know not how to ex-
press my gratitude to her for it. O, could my dear parents know
how much comfort it would be to their solitary children here,
they would each of them fill out a sheet as often as once a month
and send it to the Board for us. How I should like to know
what each of them are doing and how they feel from week to week. It
would be better to me than books, papers, or clothing. I have
enough of everything and more than I can find time to read. If
dear father can afford to pay the postage on my letters home and
his own and mother's to me as often as I want to hear from them,
we will be perfectly satisfied. I ask for nothing else. The Beard
are constantly sending us books and papers and boxes of cloth-
ing. There are two barrels now at Vancouver for us from Brother
Judson, and have been since June; also one from Rushville and a
box from Lysander. I expect we have letters in Brother Judson's
barrel, which accounts for our not receiving any from them. We
are looking for them up every day now. In some of my first
letters I did ask for some clothing to be sent me. It was more
because Mrs. Hull made me promise to write for what I wanted,
than because I needed them. I do not need to have dear father
send me anything, for others do, and what is not sent I can do
without. We are well provided for; the churches take good care of
their missionaries. Our chief desire is to be found faithful stew-
ards in that which is committed to our trust.

I received a letter in August from Sister Jane written in March.
I am happy to hear that she and Edward are so wisely engaged.
Hope they will let nothing interrupt them in their studies until
E. becomes fitted for the ministry and the missionary field. Jane
says she has had a call to go to the Sandwich Islands; I am glad
she does not go. If she goes anywhere single, she must come and
live with us; shall write to her to that effect. I wrote to father
and mother in May last and sent them across the mountains;

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 35

hope they have been received by this time. In that I mentioned
we were about to start to Colville on a medical visit. Mrs. Walk-
er has a little daughter — second child. We went and returned
in little less than three weeks, 130 miles. This is hard riding for
us. Husband is gone so much of his time and has so many im-
portant duties at home, being alone, that he feels as if he must
perform his journeys as rapidly as possible. On our return we
moved into our new house — find it very comfortable and much
easier to do our work. Mrs. Munger was confined the 25th of
June; recovered well — had a daughter. We left immediately for
Mr. Spalding's to attend the general meeting of the mission.
Soon after we returned the Lord was pleased again to visit our
family with sickness and death. Mother will recollect that in the
spring of 1838 we had a man and his wife sent us from the Sand-
wich Island (natives) as missionaries. They came to assist us in
our domestic labours. He was taken sick before we went to the
meeting, but recovered and he and his wife went with us. He
was sick and recovered several times, but every relapse brought
him much lower than before. He died the 8th of August of in-
flammation of the bowels. Our loss is verv great. He was so
faithful and kind — always ready and anxious to relieve us of everv
care, so that we might give ourselves to our appropriate mission-
ary work — increasingly so to the last. He died as a faithful
Christian missionary dies — happy to die in the field — rejoiced
that he was permitted to come and labour for the good of the
Indians, while his heart was in heaven all the time. Who that
could witness him in his dying moments and see the calm and
sweet serenity of his countenance, but what would feel it a priv-
ilege to be a missionary — to be the means of saving one such soul
from the midst of heathen darkness. His wife is just so faithful,
but she is a feeble person. I know not how I could do without
her; so we feel concerning him. But the Lord saw different. He
had higher employment for him in heaven. Dear mother, we feel
that the Lord means something by his repeated affliction; everv
year we have had a death in our family since we have been here.
I feel as if it would be our turn soon and we know not how soon.
In about a month after Joseph's death, 1 was taken with in-

136 TWENTIETH ANNUAL REUNION

flam mat ion of the'kidneys and was brought very low. But the Lord
in mercy raised me up again and I got able to be about in a short
time; but since that I got down again and have been ever since
unable to^see to my work. Have been taking medicine now for
some time and begin to feel as if I should be quite well again;
but do not expect to be able to engage in teaching again this
winter. It is quite a trial to be laid aside when so much needs to
be done. But missionaries wear out quick where they have al-
ways so much to do, and it will be so, so long as there are so few
in the field. '

We are thronged with company now and have been for some
time past, and may be through the winter. I often think of
what mother used to say — "I wish Narcissa would not always
have so much company." It is well for me now that I have had
so much experience in waiting upon company, and I can do it
when necessary without considering it a great task. As we are
situated, our house is the missionaries' tavern, and we must accom-
modate more or less the whole time. Mr. Gray and family are
removed from Lapwai (Mr. Spalding's station) and are now with
us until they can build anew, or rather until after his wife's con-
finement. He has an Hawaiian wife lately from the Islands.
Mr. Griffin and Mr. Munger and their wives, who came out last
summer as self-supporting missionaries, are here also. In August
Rev. Mr. Clark, Philo Littlejohn, and Mr. Smith with their wives,
arrived; they have come independent of the Board, also. We have
no less than seven missionary families in our two houses. We
feel that we need much patience and wisdom to get along with
so many, and much strength. We are in peculiar and somewhat
trying circumstances in relation to them. We are under the Ameri-
can Board and the}- have come out in opposition, or in other words to
try to live independently of the Board. This they will find very diffi-
cult, or next to impossible to do, and some of them begin to see
it so. We cannot sell to them, because we are missionaries and
did not come to be traders; and if we did we should help them to
establish an opposition Board. But we can give them, and report
to the Board, which is not so agreeable to them. Their means are
very limited and they will suffer before they can get help from

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION 1 37

the churches, if they have it at all. Those who have come this
year are excellent people and we wish they were under the Board,
for we need their labours very much. We should keep Mr. Little-
john and his wife with us if we had any claim upon them. Ma
is acquainted with them; he is Augusta's brother.

What a comfort it is to us that mother and father still live to
pray for us, and may they long continue to. For they can never
realize how much grace and wisdom, patience, forbearance
brotherly kindness, love and charity; yea, every Christian grace,,
meekness and humility, their daughter needs.

Once more, dear mother, farewell.

From your ever affectionate daughter.

Narcissa.

P. S. — Your children both send much love. I had hoped that
ma would have received a letter at this time from her son Mar-
cus; but it is almost like hoping against hope, so long as his
cares and duties are so complicated.

Oct. 20th, 1840.

My Dear Sister Harriet: — Yrour letter, although short, was
very good and pleased me much; and now what do you think
it would have been to me, how much good would it have done
your brother and me, if it had been a whole sheet and well filled
as I fill mine. I have written you separately a long letter, and
one to Edward. You did not tell me that you had received any.
Always tell me how many letters of mine you have received, and
what their dates are, and then I shall know if you get all I write
home. When I write you, I always wish to have you receive them,
and if I know what you receive, then I shall know what you
hear from me.

You did not tell me what you are doing and what company
you keep; what female meetings you attend, and whether you are
doing good in the cause of Christ. What books do you read? Do

138 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

you comfort ma by reading to her such books as Dwight's The-
ology, Doddridge's Rise and Progress, Milner's Church History,
etc., as Narcissa used to do in her younger days? What progress
are you making in the divine life? You see there are many
things I wish you to tell me — enough to fill more than one sheet.
I am happy to hear that J. and E. have gone to prepare to become
missionaries, and that you have a wish to be here with me. I
should like to have you here very much, and I hope you will pre-
pare yourself for it. I know dear mother would willingly give
up Harriet to go to the heathen if the Lord should call her. This
is what you ought to live for as well as me, for there is nothing
so desirable. I may send for you yet, and you would do well to
prepare yourself. I think of proposing to Jane to come and
teach school here next time I write her. Dear Harriet, honour
the Saviour every where you go; be entirely devoted to Him. You
will never regret it. Do write me of ten and fully. Write a little
oftener and send me more than one sheet a year. It will be good
for you to cultivate the talent of writing. Yes, do more than I
used to, and then you will not regret that you did not do it more,
as I do now when I am obliged to write so often and so much.
Those of the family that do not write me, I am afraid I shall for-
get to inquire after them, or write them. You all have more time
than I, and more strength, too.

Your dear brother is not at home; if he was he would send
much love. As it is I send it for him. Think of him traveling
alone this cold weather. The first after he left his warm home,
the wind blew very hard and cold, — he with but two blankets,
sleeping on the ground alone; and since, it has rained almost
every day, and sometimes snowed a little. I do not know when
he will come home.

Farewell, dear Harriet. Pray much for your sister who loves
you and sends much love to you and all the brothers and sisters.

Tell me more about Stephen's children and H.'s and E.'s; you
know, Harriet, mine is dead. Before this I have written all about
her; tell me if you have seen it. Adieu,

Your affectionate sister,

Narcissa.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 39

Waii i.aTit, March 2nd, 1S41.

My Dear Sister: — We are in deep trial and affliction. Our
Brother Mnnger is perfectly insane and we are tried to know-
how to get along with him. He claims it as a duty we owe him,
as the representative of Christ's church, to obey him in all things.
He is our lawgiver, as Moses was to the children of Israel. Last
Sabbath was the accomplishment of all things to him — a glorious
Sabbath; the bringing in of all things — the Judgment Day.
Brother Perkins will recollect some features in his prayers while
he was here, which we now see indicated a mind not sound on
all points. Now don't let your faith in God be staggered by
what has happened unto him. He has been thinking upon some
points so long and so deeply that his mind has lost its balance.
He has been nearly so before, his wife tells me, but not so entire-
ly gone. Poor Sister M. — her trials are very great. To see him
die in a happy state of mind would be, comparatively, a light
affliction. He has been inclining this way so long we see but
little or no hope he will ever be any better.

When your husband left us we -were all of us at work with
our own hearts to get them right for the blessing of God upon
us. He was pleased to show some of us our hearts; at least me mine
as I never saw it before, and I trust it has been a profitable lesson to
me. The work seemed to go on gradually and we hope effectually,
but frequently during this time we all felt our feelings destroyed
by Brother Munger's prayers, and ventured to speak to him of it,
but to our surprise he did not receive it with that Christian
meekness and improvement we expected in him, but appeared to
be more and more strengthened in his preconceived notions and
feelings of himself, until he plainly convinced us by his strange
actions that he was deranged.

Efforts have been made by my husband and Mr. Gray to re-
store him, but all prove ineffectual. He sent to be present at our
family worship this morning, but we felt it would be no wor-
ship and deferred his coming until after, and now he is waiting

140 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

for his troops to come in who, some of them, appear very unwill-
ing to obey orders.

Brother Littlejohn has gone to see Mr. Clark at Mr. Smith's.
We are expecting his return this week, also Mr. C. What will be
done with him, we know not, but preparations must be made to
take him home, if possible.

Do pray for his afflicted wife, and may the Lord teach us all
a lesson for our profit, and show us the debt of gratitude we owe
him for the merciful preservation of our reason to us.

I could say much more, but I have snatched this moment to
write what I have, and must close.

Give much love to the Sisters Brewer and Lee, if with you.

Affectionately your sister in Christ,

N. Whitman.

Mrs. Elvira Perkins,

Wascopum.

Waiilatpu, May 30th, 1841.
My Dear Brother Edward: — Yesterday Mr. Ermatinger left us
to go to Fort Hall and the Rendezvous, and we sent our package
of letters to our friends by him. There being still another oppor-
tunity of writing, I embrace it for tomorrow. Husband is to send
an Indian to overtake him on account of some business forgotten
to be attended to while he was here. Mr. and Mrs. Munger, who
I hope you will see, left more than three weeks ago with the main
party who have the goods, and Mr. E. is to overtake them.

Since writing Jane's letter, much has transpired of interest to
us. Mr. Pambrun, of whom you have often heard me speak, re-
ceived an injun- while riding out a little way from his fort by
his horse losing the rope out of his mouth and running and surg-
ing, which threw him repeatedly upon the horn of his saddle and

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 141

finally upon the ground. He was so bruised and maimed in the
abdomen, that he was unable to move and was carried to the house
on blankets. He died in four days after the injury, a most pain-
ful death. He died as he lived, saying that he was a Christian,
but giving no evidence that he was one in heart. He was a Ro-
man Catholic. Your brother went and stayed with him during his
sickness until he died. He was so anxious to die to be relieved
from pain and suffering, that he plead with the doctor to give him
something to stupefy him so that he might die quick. When he
was in the last agonies he insisted on having an emetic given him
ana when he could not prevail on the doctor or Mr. Rogers, who
was with him when he was hurt and sick, he sent for his men to
take him and carry him out so that he might get it himself, but
he did not succeed and gave up to die without it.

His poor familv feel the loss very much; he was their main
support; had nine children, the youngest an infant three weeks
old. His wife is a half-breed. He gave me his little daughter,
Harriet, the one named just before he died. We know not what
the Lord means by this providence, but we hope good will result
to His cause and his afflictions may be sanctified to the living.

Dear brother, this is the Sabbath day. At this time you are
doubtless engaged in the worship of God in the sanctuary, a priv-
ilege I once enjoyed, but now am deprived of. Our minds suffer
for the want of such privileges. Yet in our deprivation we have
our enjoyments, for we can worship God in our own dwellings
and find Him here present with us. At times the special presence
of His Holy Spirit appears to be manifest, and he seems to be
reaching down His hand filled with blessings to this dying people.
The work is a great work; but how few and feeble are the labourers
already in the field. Our earnest prayer is that more labourers
might be sent to aid us in our work; men after God's own heart,
and not easily discouraged.

The present is a time of unusual quiet — not an Indian is to be
seen about us all are scattered in little groups far and near, dig-
ging their kamas root, and taking salmon. Here is the mission-

142 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

ary's trial in this country. The people are with him so little of
the time, and they are so scattered that he cannot go with them,
for but few are in a place. Notwithstanding our discouragements,
I feel that we would not be situated differently if we could. We
would not be out of the field for any consideration whatever, so
long as the Lord has any work for us to do here. I wish Jane was
here to help me. When I hear from you again I shall know what
to do about sending to the Board to have her come, if Edward can
spare her and will still go on with his studies. I hope you will
remember what I have written to you in the other letter, and do
as I have asked you to do, for your own sake as well as mine. You
seem to be very near to us. It is almost June now, and I hope
this letter will reach you in safety and speedily. Mrs. Littlejohn
has become the mother of a fine Oregon boy; they will go home
now as soon as they can get an opportunity by ship. Whether
you see them or not, after they return I know not. Many others
are getting discouraged and wishing to leave, and others are great-
ly disappointed in the country. I went to Walla Walla two weeks
ago to attend Mr. P.'s funeral and spent about two weeks with
the family. They sent for rne to come home, for Mrs. Littlejohn
was sick, but I did not get home until her babe was born. She is
doing well and her babe also.

Dear Jane, I hear much of your watching and taking care of
the sick. Do be more careful of your own health; I fear for you;
you will wear out too soon. I have not been able to do much such
work since I have been here.

Your brother often speaks of you and has intended to write

you both, but has been pulled this way and that, so that he has

not had time. Adieu; our love to you both. I have not written

to pa and ma, as I intended, but husband has, which you may

read if you see Mrs. Munger.

Your sister,

N. Whitman.

Dear Sister Jane: — It would be a pleasure to see you, and I am
meditating how it could be, as you have come almost half way.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 143

I was just telling Narcissa what an interest I had taken in your-
self ever since I was introduced to you at your father's house by
Mr. Hamilton at the close of a prayer meeting. That was the first
introduction to the family. From that moment my heart has
been towards the family. But you smile, I suppose, and say it
was Narcissa; no, it was Jane; Narcissa was in Butler. I presume
you will have no recollection of the introduction; if so, let it rest
on my recollection, which is vivid. I trust you are happily em-
ployed in aiding Edward. It is a noble work. Encourage him
to study and toil. Tell him to finish his education before he gives
his mind any liberty to rove. Let usefulness be his motto. Ob-
stacles can be overcome. With much love to you both,

Your brother,

Marcus Whitman.

I would send you some specimens of the country if it were
not so difficult to pack them across the mountains.

May 17th, 1842. — I send this for the scrap my dear husband
has written you, more than for what I have written. It may do
you good to get even that from him who is so dear to your sister
and to you, I trust. It was returned last spring, and I could not
send it by ship. Rogers has just said that he would call on you,
so that you can ask him as many questions as you can think of,
and if he returns you can send by him next spring.

Adieu, dear E. Your sister,

N. W.

WAIJXA.TPU, March 1st, 1842.

My Dear Jane and Ed-ward: — I was busy all the forenoon in
preparing my husband for his departure. He left about two
o'clock p. m. to go on a professional visit to3rother Walker's, and
I am once more left alone in this house with no other company
than my two little half-breed girls, Mary Ann Bridger and Helen
Mar Meek. Since he left I have copied a letter of one sheet and

144 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

a half for him to Brother Spalding and written a short one to
Sister S., besides, which kept me until nearly dark, although I
wrote with all my might, for we had detained an Indian who
was going that way, to take them, and before I could get them
completed he began to be quite impatient. I, however, pacified
him by giving him something to eat to beguile his time, and
when he left gave him a good piece of bread to eat on the way.
The Indians do us many favours in this way, and get as many
from us in return, for they are always glad of something from us
to eat on the way. Since I got my letters off I regulated my
house some, got my own and little girl's supper and some toast
and tea for a sick man who has been here a few days, from Walla
Walla to be doctored; attended family worship and put my little
girls to bed, and have set me down to write a letter to Jane and
Edward, my dear brother and sister that I left at home in Angel-
ica more than six years ago. Since or just as I seated myself to
write, Brother Gray came in to get some medicine for the sick
man. He is in Packet's lodge a few steps from the door, and he
is the man who attends to my wants, such as milking, getting
water, wood, etc. He is a half-breed from the east side of the
mountains and was brought up at Harmony mission, but came
to the mountains about eight years ago and has since become a
Catholic. Brother Gray has built him a new house and it is
quite a piece from us. Thus lonely situated, what would be the
enjoyment to me if E. and J. would come in and enjoy my soli-
tude with me. Surely solitude would quickly vanish, as it almost
appears to, even while I am writing. Jane, I wish you were here
to sleep with me, I am such a timid creature about sleeping alone
that sometimes I suffer considerably, especially since my health
has been not very good. It, however, gives me the opportunity
for the exercise of greater trust and confidence in my heavenly
protector in whose hands I am always safe and happy when I
feel myself there. My eyes are much weaker than when I left
home and no wonder, I have so much use for them. I am at
times obliged to use the spectacles Brother J. G. so kindly fur-
nished me. I do not know what I could do without them; so
much writing as we have to do, both in our own language and

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 145

the Nez Perces; and, besides, we have no waj' to feast our minds
with knowledge necessary for health and spirituality without
reading, and here the strength of the eyes are taxed again.

Out of compassion to my eyes and exhausted frame, dear
ones, I must bid you good-night. You may hear from me to-
morrow, perhaps, if I am not interrupted with company.

2d — After attending to the duties of the morning, and as I was
nearly done hearing my children read, two native women came
in bringing a miserable looking child, a boy between three and
four years old, and wished me to take him. He is nearly naked,
and they said his mother had thrown him away and gone off
with another Indian. His father is a Spaniard and is in the
mountains. It has been living with its grandmother the winter
past, who is an old and adulterous woman and has no compas-
sion for it. Its mother has several others by different white men,
and one by an Indian, who are treated miserably and scarcely
subsist. My feelings were greatly excited for the poor child and
felt a great disposition to take him. Soon after the old grand-
mother came in and said she would take him to Walla Walla
and dispose of him, there and according^- took him away. Some
of the women who were in, compassionated his case and followed
after her and would not let her take him away, and returned
with him again this eve to see what I would do about him. I
told her I could not tell because my husband was gone. What I
fear most is that after I have kept him awhile some of his rela-
tives will come and take him away and my labour will be lost or
worse than lost. I, however, told them they might take him
away and bring him again in the morning, and in the meantime I
would think about is. The care of such a child is very great at
first — dirty, covered with bod}' and head lice and starved — his
clothing is apart of a skin dress that does not half cover his
nakedness, and a small bit of skin over his shoulders.

Helen was in the same condition when I took her, and it was
a long and tedious task to change her habiits, young as she was,
but little more than two years old. She was so stubborn and fret-

146 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

ful and wanted to cry all the time if she could not have her own
way. We have so subdued her that now she is a comfort to us,
although she requires tight reins constantly.

Mary Ann is of a mild disposition and easily governed and
makes but little trouble. She came here last August. Helen
has been here nearly a year and a half. The Lord has taken our
own dear child away so that we may care for the poor outcasts of
the country and suffering children. We confine them altogether
to English and do not allow them to speak a word of Nez
Perces.

Read a portion of the Scriptures to the women who were in
today, and talked awhile with them. Baked bread and crackers
today and made two rag babies for my little girls. I keep them
in the house most of the time to keep them away from the na-
tives, and find it difficult to employ their time when I wish to
be engaged with the women. They have a great disposition to
take a piece of board or a stick and carry it around on their
backs, if I would let them, for a baby, so I thought I would make
them something that would change their taste a little. You won-
der, I suppose, what looking objects Narcissa would make. No
matter how they look, so long as it is a piece of cloth rolled up
with eyes, nose and mouth marked on it with a pen, it answers
every purpose. They caress them and carr)' them about the room
at a great rate, and are as happy as need be. So much for my
children.

I have not told you that we have a cooking stove, sent us
from the Board, which is a great comfort to us this winter, and
enables me to do my work with comparative ease, now that I
have no domestic help.

We have had but very little snow and cold this winter in this
valley. The thermometer has not been lower than 200 below-
freezing; but in every direction from us there has been an unu-
sual quantity of snow, and it still remains. Husband expects to
find snow beyond the Snake river, which he would cross today
if he has been prospered, and may perhaps be obliged to make
snow shoes to travel with. Last night was a very windy night,

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION 147

and the same today, but it is still now. Brother Walker is situ-
ated directly north of us, so that it is not likely that the snow
will decrease any in going. It is uncertain when he will return
if prospered and not hindered with the snow. He expects to be
gone only four weeks. May the Lord preserve and return him in
afety and in His own time, and keep me from anxiety concern-
ing him. Goodnight, J. and E.

3d. — Dear Jane, this has been washing day, and I have cleaned
house some; had a native woman to help me that does the hard-
est part. I am unable to do my heavy work and have been for
two years past.

This evening an Indian has been in who has been away all
winter. I have been reading to him the fifth chapter of Matthew.
Every word of it seemed to sink deep into his heart; and O may
it prove a savour of life to his soul. He thinks he is a Christian,
but we fear to the contrary. His mind is somewhat waked up
about his living with two wives. I would not ease him any, but
urged him to do his duty. Others are feeling upon the subject,
particularly the women; and why should the}- not feel? — they are
the sufferers.

The little boy was brought to me again this morning and I
could not shut my heart against him. I washed him, oiled
and bound up his wounds, and dressed him and cleaned his head
of lice. Before he came his hair was cut close to his head and a
strip as wide as your finger was shaved from ear to ear, and also
from his forehead to his neck, crossing the other at right angles.
This the boys had done to make him look ridiculous. He had a
burn on his foot where they said he had been pushed into the fire
for the purpose of gratifying their malicious feelings, and because
he was friendless. He feels, however, as if he had got into a
strange place, and has tried to run away once or twice. He will
soon get accustomed, I think, and be happy, if I can keep him
away from the native children. So much about the boy Marshall.
I can write no more tonight.

148 TWENTIETH ANNUAL REUNION

4th. — There has been almost constant high wind ever since
husband left and increasingly cold. Feel considerably anxious
concerning him, lest the deep snow and cold may make his jour-
ney a severe one. At the best it is very wearing to nature to
travel in this country. He never has been obliged to encounter so
much snow before, and I do not know how it will affect him. He
is a courageous man, and it is well that he is so to be a physician
in this country.. Common obstacles never affect hirn; he goes
ahead when duty calls. Jane and Edward, you know but little
about your brother Marcus, and all I can tell you about him at
this time is that he is a bundle of thoughts.

Met this afternoon for a female prayer meeting; only two of
us — Sister Gray and myself — yet they are precious seasons to us,
especially when Jesus meets with us, as He often does. I am
blessed with a lovely sister and an excellent associate in Sister
Gray, and I trust that I am in some measure thankful, for I have
found by experience that it is not good to be alone in our cares
and labours.

9th. — Last evening received a letter from Sister Walker dated
Feb. 21st, in which she expresses some fears lest husband should
not arrive in season on account of the deep snow. The probabil-
ity is that he has had as much as one day on snow shoes if not
more. We are having our winter now, both of cold and snow.
During the last twenty-four hours there has been quite a heavy
fall of snow in the valley, and it is doubtless doubled in the
mountains.

Last eve I spent at Bro. Gray's, after the monthly concert.
We opened some boxes that have just arrived from the Board to
the mission, containing carding, spinning and weaving appara-
tus, clothing and books. Our goods often get wet in coming up
the river, and we are often obliged to open, dry and repack again.
We have abundant evidence that our Christian friends in the
States have not forgotten us, by the donations we receive from
time to time. My work last eve was such cold and damp work
that it gave me many rheumatic pains all night, and besides it

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 49

took us so long that [ feel unable to write much more tonight.
There is still another evening's work of the same kind, which
must be done as soon as tomorrow. We take the eve because Bro.
G. has so much labour during the day, and then our children are
all in bed. Goodnight, Jane.

9th. — While I was thinking about preparing to retire to rest
last eve, Bro. Gray came in to see if I could go over and see and
aid in the arrangement of the other boxes. I finally mustered
courage to go, because they were anxious to have it out of the
way. Found it an easier job than was expected, because there
was but one that needed drying.

Attended maternal meeting this afternoon. Sister G. and I
make all the effort our time and means will permit to edify and
instruct ourselves in our responsible maternal duties. Read this
p. m. the report of the New York City Association for 1840, and
what a feast it was to us! It is a comforting thought to us in a
desert land to know that we are so kindly remembered by sister
Associations in our beloved land. But the constant watch and
care and anxiety of a missionary mother cannot be known by
them except by experience. Sister G. has two of her own and I
have three half-breeds. 1 believe I feel all the care and watchful-
ness over them that I should it they were my own. I am sure
they are a double tax upon my patience and perseverance, partic-
ularly Helen; she wants to rule everyone she sees. She keeps me
on guard continually lest she should get the upper hand of me.
The little boy appears to be of a pretty good disposition, and I
think will be easy to govern. He proves to be younger than I
first thought he was; he is not yet three years old — probably he
is the same age Helen was when she came here. His old grand-
mother has been in to see him today, but appears to have no dis-
position to take him. She wanted I should give her something
to eat every now and then, because I had got the child to live
with me and take care of, also old clothes and shoes. So it is
with them; the moment you do them a favour you place yourself
under lasting obligations to them and must continue to give to
keep their love strong towards you. I make such bungling work

150 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

of writing this eve I believe I will stop, for I can scarcely keep
my head up and eyes open. So good night, J., for you do not
come to sleep with me, and I must content myself with Mary
Ann.

nth. — Dear Jane, I am sick tonight and in much pain — have
been scarcely able to crawl about all day. The thought comes
into my mind, how good to be relieved of care and to feel the
blessing of a sympathizing hand administering to the necessities
of a sick and suffering body, and whose presence would greatly
dispel the gloom that creeps over the mind in spite of efforts to
the contrary. But I must not repine or murmur at the dealings
of my Heavenly Father with me, for he sees it necessary thus to
afflict me that His own blessed image may be perfected in me.
O, what a sinful, ungrateful creature I am — proud and disobedi-
ent. I wonder and admire the long-suffering patience of God
with me, and long to be free from sin so that I shall grieve Him
no more. But there is rest in heaven to the weary and wayworn
traveler, and how blessed that we may "hope to the end for the
grace that shall be given unto us at the revelation of Jesus
Christ." Pray for us, J. and E., for we need your prayers daily.
Goodnight.

12th. — I would that I could describe to you what I have felt
and passed through since writing the above. Before I could get
to bed last night I was seized with such severe pains in my stom-
ach and bowels that it was with difficulty that I could straighten
myself. I succeeded in crawling about until I got something to
produce perspiration, thinking it might proceed from a cold, and
went to bed. About two o'clock in the morning Sister Gray sent
for me, for she was sick and needed my assistance. When I was
waked I was in a profuse perspiration. What to do I did not
know. Neither of them knew that I was sick the day before. I
at last concluded that I would make the effort to go, casting my-
self for preservation on the mercy of God. Mr. Cook, the man
who came after me, made a large fire for me in my room, and I
was enabled to dress and dry myself without getting cold, the
weather having moderated some from what it was a few days ago.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 151

I bundled myself pretty well and went with Mr. C.'s assistance,
for I felt but very little better able to walk than I did the evening
before, yet not in so much pain. When I arrived the babe was
born, and Bro. Gray was washing it. In the meantime, after they
were informed how I was, the}- sent me word not to come if I
was not able. I took the babe and dressed it, and have been there
all day with my children, although I have not been able to sit
up all day. Both mother and babe are comfortable tonight, and
I have come home to spend the night and Sabbath, leaving Mr.
G. with the care of them tomorrow. They have a good Hawaiian
woman, which is a great mercy.

Sab. Eve., 13th — Was kept awake last night by the headache
considerably, and it has continued most of the day. Bro. G.'s
house is very open, and the change from ours affects me unfav-
ourably generally. Notwithstanding feeble health, this Sabbath
has been a precious day to me. A quiet resting upon God is eve-
ry thing, both in sickness and in health. My heart cries, O, for
sanctifying grace that I may not become hardened under afflic-
tion.

14th. — I have this day entered upon my thirty-fifth year, and
had my dear Alice C. been alive she would have been five years
old, for this was her birthday as well as mine. Precious trust!
she was taken away from the evil to come. I would not have it
otherwise now. All things are for the best, although we may not
see it at the time. Spent the day with Sister G., although not
able to do much. Have been taking medicine and feel some bet-
ter this eve, and hope to be better still tomorrow.

15th — Have been with Sister Gray all day. There is so much
there and all around us to call forth feelings of sympathy* and
care, that I have been so excited all day as not to scarcely realize
my own state of health until I retire from it, and then I find my-
self completely exhausted. Thus it is that the missionary is so
soon worn out, and his health fails and he is obliged to leave the
field. He constantly sees work enough for his utmost time and
strength, and much, very much that must remain undone for the

152 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

1

want of hands to do it. We feel a merciful and timely relief in
the association of Bro. and Sister Gray in our labours at this station.
Had we continued much longer without help we should have been
obliged, both of us without doubt, to have retired from the field
as invalids. Yet still there is just as much as we all can possibly
do, and more, too, for every year brings increased labours and de-
mands upon us, and doubtless will continue to if there is much
emigration to this country.

Edward, if you are thinking to become a missionary, you
would do well to write a sermon on the word PATIENCE every
day. Study well its meaning; hold fast on to patience and never
let go, thinking all thetime that you will have more need of her by
and by than ever you can have while you remain at home. But
I must stop before I exhaust myself, and gain strength for the
duties of the morrow by rest.

21st — It will be three weeks tomorrow since dear husband
left, and I am feeling tonight almost impatient for his return.
It has been stormy and cold every day since he left. Indeed, we
have had our winter in this month, and now the rivers are so high
that it is almost impossible to cross them without swimming. I
feel that the Lord has mercifully and tenderly sustained and kept
me from anxious feelings about him thus far during his absence.
Doubtless he has suffered much, but the Lord will preserve, I hope,
and return him again to me, filled with a lively sense of His
goodness to us continually. The Indians feel his absence very
much, especially Sabbaths. They are here so short a time they
do not like to have him gone.

Today I have had the care of Sister G.'s two children and my
three* which has been a hard day's work for me. I am more and
more pleased with my little boy every day. He is so mild and
quiet, and so happy in his new situation that I have not had the
least regret that I took him in. He is learning to talk English
extremely well- -much faster than my two girls did. The second
Sabbath he went about the room saying, "I must not work, I
must not work," and also a part of a line of a hymn he had heard

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 53

us sing, "Lord teach a little child to pray," — all that he could say
was, "a child to pray, a child to pray." He is learning to sing,
also; he seems to have a natural voice, and learns quick. I think
husband will have no objections to keeping him when he sees
what a promising boy he is.

Sister Gray is recovering very fast; she came out into the
kitchen yesterday to supper, and today she has dressed her babe,
which is but ten days old. She took the advantage of me and
dressed it before I could get over there this morning. She was
going about her own room before it was a week old. Perhaps you
will think we do as the natives do when we are among natives.
She certainly is very well, and we ought to be very thankful, and
I trust we are. We all see so much to do that it is difficult to
keep still when it is possible to stir. So goodnight, J. and R., for
my sheet is full.

26th — Husband arrived today about noon, to the joy of all the
inhabitants of Waiilatpu. Mr. Eells came with him. His jour-
ney was prosperous beyond our most sanguine expectations, for
the day that he would have been obliged to take snow shoes was
so cold that by taking the morning very early they went on the
top of the snow and arrived there in safety the Saturday after he
left here. Sister Walker has a son, born on the 16th, four days
after the birth of Sister Gray's. They call him Marcus Whitman.
So it is, dear J. and E., that the Lord cares for and preserves us;
and it seemed more than ever as if He sustained me from anxiety
and gave me a spirit of prayer for him, and answered prayer in
his safe return with improved health; and O, may the lives which
He does so mercifully preserve, be devoted more entirely to His
service.

Bro. Eells came for his boxes and will return next week. We
are cheered with an occasional visit from one and another, which
is a source of comfort to us in our pilgrimage here.

This sheet is full, and if you have trouble to read it, say so,

and I will not do so again.

Your sister,

N. Whitman.

154 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

WaiilaTpu, July 22nd,i842.

My Dear Mrs. Brezcer: — I find the perusal of the Memoirs of
Mrs. Smith so deeply interesting to myself, that I desire to ask
the privilege of sending it, with your permission, to the different
sisters of this mission, as one or two of them have begged the
reading of it. It is most too precious a morsel to be enjoyed
alone in this desert land. As I am unable to write to Sister
Perkins this opportunity, I will just say I forward by this con-
veyance a few numbers of the New York Observer, containing
several pieces from Dr. Humphries' pen on Education, which she
requested in her last letter to me. We value them much and
desire to preserve them.

I am happy to hear of your prosperity in the addition to
your family of a little daughter. May she live long to cheer and
bless you with her sweet smiles.

Hoping for the pleasure of receiving a letter from you, I am,
dear sister, yours in Christian love.

Narcissa Whitman.
Mrs. H. B. Brewer,

Wascopum.

Waskopum, March nth, 1843.

My Dear Harriet: — I have just been reading your letter, writ-
ten more than two years ago. I have been thinking all day of
writing you, but can scarcely find courage enough; even now, I
feel more like taking my bed rather than writing, much as I long
to commune with you.

From a letter I received last fall from Mr. Dixon, I learn that
my dear Harriet is now both a wife and a mother. Tender and
endearing relations! May you ever prove worthy of the confidence
and affection of your husband, and a tender, wise and judicious

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 55

mother, and never forget that you are training immortal spirits
for an eternal world. If you have never read " Alcott's Young
Wife and Young Mother," I beg you will procure and read them.
You will derive great benefit from them. You cannot begin too
soon to study your duty as a mother. It is a responsible station,
and doubtless you feel it to be so. Be sure and make it your busi-
ness to train them for the Lord, and hold them not as yours, but
His, to be called away at His bidding. This is an interesting theme
to me.

When you write, please tell me about your maternal associa-
tion. I want to know all about them, and how the cause prospers.
We have an association here consisting of the missionary mothers
and two native mothers, who are the wives of the gentlemen of
this country. We find it a great comfort to meet together, to pray
and sympathise with and for each other in this desert land where
we have so few privileges. Please remember me to your associa-
tion, and solicit an interest in the prayers of those praying mothers
for the missionary mothers of Oregon.

I hope by this time you have had a good visit with your bro-
ther Marcus. I presume it has been a short one. Tell me, you
that have enjoyed the sweets of connubial bliss long enough to
know the happiness it affords, how would you like to be so wide-
ly separated and for so long a time. Think you, it is no trial, no
sacrifice of feeling? For what would you be willing to make such
a sacrifice? Is there anything in this lower world that would tempt
you to it? I presume not; at least I can see no earthly inducement
sufficiently paramount to cause me voluntarily to take upon my-
self such a painful trial. Painful, I say? yes, painful in the ex-
treme to the natural heart. But there is one object, our blessed
Saviour, for whose sake, I trust, both you as well as we are willing
if called to it, to suffer all things. It was for Him, for the advance-
ment of His cause, that I could say to my beloved husband, "Go;
take all the time necessary to accomplish His work; and the Lord
go with and bless you." Sacrifice made for Him will not go unre-
warded. Believe me, this same Heavenly Friend so manifests
himself to me, sustains, upholds, and comforts me, and that, too,

156 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

almost continually as to enable me to "glory in tribulation," yea
to rejoice that I am counted worthy to suffer for His sake. He
has been preparing me for the self-denial for some time past, and
no time more effectually than when he was pleased to take my
beloved child from me. Once I could not have borne it without
the same measure of grace I now enjoy. But blessed be His Holy
Name, it is from Him I receive all things, and I desire to be whol-
ly consecrated to Him. I feel that I am nothing — Jesus is my all,
His righteousness alone I plead; in Him my guilty soul expects
to find a full and free salvation.

I hope the hand and the heart that has got possession of my
beloved Harriet's will please accept of a sister's love, although we
have never been privileged with an acquaintance, and may never
meet in this world. Ma}- I not hope to receive letters from you
both, and frequently, too? Can such a thing be under the sun
that my husband will prevail on you to come to Oregon to spend
your days? I know you would say, I cannot leave pa and ma to go
so far.

Give much love to sister C. and her husband; tell her to please

consider this as written to her, if I am unable to write her by

this opportunity. I think of sister Mary Ann as being a guardian

angel to me sometimes. When shall I be one to you? I think

sometimes it will not be long. Again I send love to J. G. and all

the family. Many kisses for all the babies.

Your affectionate sister,

Narcissa.
Mrs. John W. Jackson,

Cuba, Allegheny Co.,

New York, U. S. A.

Fort George, August nth, 1843.

My Dear Parents: — I .am now at the mouth of the Columbia
river. I came down with Rev. Daniel Lee of Waskopum, where I
spent the last winter, and Mr. Leslie. He and his family are ex-

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION 1 57

peering to leave in the ship, that is now on its way down the river,
for the States. Doctor Babcock and his family of the same mis-
sion are going on the same vessel to the Islands, also Mr. Frost
and family are leaving the missionary field, by the same opportu-
nity and going home. Thus one after another of our Methodist
brethren leave the country and go to the States. This is very dis-
couraging to those who remain. Some of our number have done
the same; — Mr. Smith and Mr. Gray and their families. Ministe-
rial and missionary work is increasing in the country, and the la-
bourers are decreasing.

My beloved parents may think it strange that I should wan-
der about the country so much when my dear husband is absent.
The Lord is very merciful and of great kindness to me in
showing me so many favours in my lonely situation. It serves to
occupy my mind and keeps me from undue anxiety concerning
him; and besides this, journeying is beneficial to my health. I
have come down to enjoy the benefit of a sea breeze, and visit the
mission station at Clatsop on the Pacific coast. I am now enjoy-
ing a friendly visit in the family of Mr. Birnie at this fort. When
the ship leaves I shall accompany Rev. Jason Lee to Clatsop, where
I expect to spend a few days and return with Mr. Lee and Mr.
Leslie to the Willamette and finish my visit there. Everywhere
I go I find attention and kindness far more than I deserve. I be-
lieve I wrote to pa and ma while I was at Wascopum. I left them
and went up the river in the company's boats in charge of Mr.
Grant, the first of April, and arrived in safety after a voyage of
five days. I went home and arranged affairs, attended upon the
company of Doctor White and his party, which consisted of Revs.
Hinds and Perkins, who came up to hold a meeting with the In-
dians. When the meeting closed I accompanied them to Walla
Walla, and on the first day of June left there in the brigade for
Vancouver, Mrs. McKiolay accompanying me. In coming, Dr.
White recommended me to the attention of Dr. Barclay, an emi-
nent physician of the fort. I remained there about two months
and attended faithfully to his directions; feeling it is a great fa-
vour to have so good an opportunity to attend to my health, and
to be so free from care and labour. I left two of the children in

158 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

the care of Mrs. Littlejohn and Mrs. Eells. Helen I have with me
About the last of July, I went to the Willamette Falls and spent
most of my time in the families of Mr. Abernethy and Mr. Waller.
The latter one says he knew pa well ; his circuit was in that region
and he resided in Friendship. Last Monday, at sundown, I left
them to come down the river to see the mission families leave.

It is very trying to part with dear Brother and Sister Lee. I
have enjoyed such sweet social religious privileges with them the
past winter that I feel very much endeared to them. I cannot feel
very willing to have them go. It is but very recently that they have
talked and made up their minds to go, and it was very surprising
to us. They are pious, devoted missionaries, but Mrs. Lee's health
has failed, and they feel it their duty to go home. They were from
the New England states and very probably pa and ma will not see
them. Brother Lee says he will write to pa when he gets home
for me. I send this by him. Doctor Babcock goes to the Islands
to return again; it is possible he may not. He is from Avoca. I
do not know when I shall see my dear husband again. I hope in
a few weeks to receive letters from him and then I shall know
when to expect him. The Lord be merciful to me and return him
to my arms again in peace. I forbear to think much of the future,
but rest it with the Lord. I have written this very poorly. The
house is full of company and it is difficult to keep my thoughts.
My most dearly beloved and excellent parents, please accept of my
heartfelt thanks for all your love and kindness to me, and be as-
sured of the sincere, devoted love of your unworthy daughter,

Narcissa.
Hon. Stephen Prentiss,

Cuba, Allegheny Co.,

New York, U. S. A.

Waskopum, March 31st, 1843.

My Dear Brother: — Why is it that I never receive a letter
from you? Have you no time to write, or have you forgotten me?

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION 1 59

I will not think it; not that you do not love me, for this would
make me unhappy. Could you see my heart and know how
much I love and think of you and sympathize with you, should I
not receive a communication from you and thus be assured of your
love and remembrance of me? It is not for the want of a heart
that I do not write more and oftener to all my brothers and sisters,
but for the want of health and strength to do it. Now I am de-
prived of the society of my beloved husband, I realize more than
ever your situation; yet not its keeneat pang, for ourselves is
a voluntary and temporary separation, while yours is — I hardly
know whatto call it — an unwilling and unnecessary separation, at
least on your part; yet I hope not a perpetual one. O that I could
hear that you were once more united and happy in all thesweets of
domestic bliss, for they are many, and when giveu us from the
Lord, how we should prize them. Those are tender ties to be
separated and hang bleeding all our life, but the Lord permits us
thus to be afflicted. We should lean on Him for support. And
may you, dear brother, realize as much of the blessed Saviour's
gracious presence as I do in my lonely situation, and have it con-
tinued to you constantly. I, too, kuow the blessed effects of
affliction to purify the heart and sanctify the soul; and, notwith-
standing their keen smart and writhing pang, yet it is good to be
afflicted; they are choice mercies to us, for when He has tried us,
my brother, we shall come forth as gold. Our greatest care should
be, not to murmur or complain of His trying dispensations to-
wards us, but feel always more anxious to have them sanctified to
us than to be delivered from them — for then "patience will have
her perfect work."

O what would I give could I see you, for then I could pour a
full heart into your bosom; but you have seen my better self, I
hope, and enjoyed a sweet visit with him, for me as well as for
him. You will write me, I know, by him, You will doubtless
see my letter to father and mother. I have given the particulars
of the past to them.

Recently, intelligence has come to us from above that the In-
dians are talking and making preparations for war. The visit of

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 160

the government's agent last fall has caused considerable excite-
ment. All decisive measures and language used to them they
construe into threats, and say war is declared and they intend
to be prepared. They have heard many unwise remarks which
have been made by designing persons, especially a half-breed
that came up with the agent last fall. Such as troops are coming
into the river this spring and are corning up with Dr. White to
fight them. It is the Kaiuses that cause all trouble. There are
no tribes in all the country but what are more quiet and peace-
able to live with than they are. If any mischief is going ahead
they originate and carry forward. They are more difficult to
labour among than the Nez Perces. They are rich, especially in
horses, and consequently haughty and insolent. A large assem-
blage is expected in less than a month to meet in the valley of
Walla Walla. What the result of it will be, time will determine
From the excitement and talk that has been going on all winter
we have reason to fear that it will not be a very quiet time. The
Indians of the Buffalo country have been sent for by the high
chief of the Nez Perces, Ellis.

Walla Walla, April 14th, 1843.

My Dear Brother: — I arrived here last Saturday. Left Was-
copum Monday, early April 3rd, and came with Mr. Grant, who
was in charge of the Company's boats, three in number; had a
pleasant and safe voyage; arrived greatly exhausted with fatigue
but feel much benefited by the trip. Two days after I received a
letter from Sister Littlejohn at Lapwai (Mrs. Spalding's), giving
the afflicting news of the death of her only son by drowning. He
fell into the mill floom and floated down out of sight into a deep
pit and was not found until it was too late to bring him to life.

This makes the sixth person that has been drowned since
November in this infant country; four adults and two children.
Mr. Olley, of the Methodist mission, was drowned in the Wallam-
ette about two months before Brother Rogers, and those with him.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION l6l

What the Lord means by the removal of so many, we know
not, but feel admonished to be also ready. Brother and Sister
Littlejohn feel their affliction deeply, but are mercifully support-
ed under it.

The excitement among the Kaiuses has abated considerable
from what it was when I commenced this letter. Mr. McKinlay
of this fort has been to Vancouver and brought back word to
them from Dr. McLoughlin that they, the British, do not, neither
have they intended to make war upon them. This relieves them
considerably. Now their fear is the Americans. They have been
led to believe that deceitful measures are being taken to rob them
of their land, to kill them all off. Language like this has been
told them, and at the meeting last fall, "that if you do not make
laws and protect the whites and their property, we will put you
in the way of doing it." They consider this a declaration to
fight and the}7 have prepared accordingly. We hope no depreda-
tions will be committed upon us or the mission property, and
think the difficulties can be removed and adjusted to their minds,
but not without the most prudent and wise measures. The agent
is quite ignorant of Indian charactex" and especially of the char-
acter of the Kaiuses. Husband's presence is needed very much at
this juncture. A great loss is sustained by his going to the States, '
I mean a present loss to the station and Indians, but hope and
expect a greater good will be accomplished by it. There
was no other way for us to do. We felt that we could not remain
as we was without more help, and we are so far off that to send
by letter and get returns was too slow a way for the present emer-
gency.

I intend to go up to Waiilatpu as soon as the water falls; it
is so high now and is rising so that I cannot cross the rivers. I
shall write some of the family by the mountain route; this I
send by the express to Montreal.

Would it be a strange thing if I should see you coming to
this country with my husband? You will write me to pay for
this I hope. Remember I have not heard a word about the death
of that sister yet, and perhaps still greater inroads have been

)

1 62 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

made in the dear circle that I have yet to be informed of. It
will not be many years before we shall all be transplanted, and

0 may it be into the paradise above, and not one of us be missing.

I want very much to hear about your little daughter, your-
self and all your affairs, and how you feel and live from day to
day, and what you are doing for the cause of Christ. How does
the doctor appear to you? How have you enjoyed your visit with
him? Living alone in the midst of a savage people, without see-
ing much company, we lose our polish and doubtless would ap-
quite uncouth to the civilized world. This is one of the mission-
ary's trials, because he is apt to be despised for it.

Love to all. Pray for your loving sister,

Narcissa.

Your spectacles are of great use to me. I should not know
how to do without them. My eyes have failed me almost entire-
ly. I think sometimes I have reason to think of you pretty often.

1 should like a pair of green double plain glasses. Hope doctor
will bring some. Farewell.

N.
Jonas Galusha Prentiss, Esq.,

Angelica, Allegheny County,
New York,

U. S. A.

Waiilatpu, August 23, 1842.

Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Cuba, My Dear Christian Friends: —
I have this morning been thinking deeply upon our situation and
wants as a mission, the spiritual condition of the native popula-
tion, and the interests of the country at large as it respects the
prosperity of the cause of Christ on the one hand and the exten-
sion of the powers and dominion of Romanism on the other. The
thought occurred to me, I will sit down and write to this dear
brother and sister, and solicit an interest in their prayers and
those of their beloved charge for us; it may be it will give such a

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 163

spring to the work that angels will strike their harps anew, and
a song of praise be put into the mouths of many who are
now in the broad road to ruin. Think, if you please, of the soli-
tary missionary labouring and toiling, without a single Aaron or
Hur to stay up his hands! What slow progress must he make, if
any at all, where the preaching and praying are all to be done by the
same individual! Perhaps you will say, and justly, too, that we
do pray for you continually. My dear friends, let me entreat you
to offer up special prayer in our behalf, for we need it more than
I can express. In the first place, we need more missionaries, and
those of us who are now on the ground need your prayers emi-
nently, not as those who have already attained unto perfect men
and women in Christ, but as greatly in want of an enlargement
in every Christian grace, if not an entire renovation of soul to
God.

The Kayuses, Nez Perces, Spokans, and all the adjacent tribes
need your prayers, for they are a dark-minded, wandering people,
having hearts, but understand not the truth. I will give you the
language of one of them in a talk made three Sabbaths ago. Af-
ter listening to an exposition of the truth contained in Proverbs,
5th chapter, he said: " Your instruction is good; the wise and dis-
creet appreciate it; fur the mass of us, we hear it, but it falls pow-
erless upon our hearts, and we remain the same still." I felt it
deeply as a reproof for our unbelief, and want of faithful, earnest
prayer in their behalf. The present is the harvest time with
them. We know not how soon ardent spirits will be introduced
into the country to distract and impede our work. Settlers are
beginning to come around us, and their influence will not be the
most congenial, as they are mostly men living with native wo-
men, who have for many years been wandering in the deep re-
cesses of the mountains, indulging themselves in every species of
vice and wickedness until, as one of them frankly confessed to
me a short time since, they were wickeder than the Indians around
them. Perhaps most of them have received the elements of a
Christian education in their childhood years, and some have
Christian parents. These, also, are eminently a subject for
your prayers.

164 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

Romanism stalks abroad on our right hand and on our left,
and with daring effrontery boasts that she is to prevail and pos-
[ sess the land. I ask, must it be so? Does it not remain for the
people of God in this and Christian lands to say whether it shall
I be so or not? "Is not the Lord on our side?" "If He is for us,
who can be against us." The zeal and energy of her priests are
without a parallel, and many, both white men and Indians, wan-
der after the beasts. Two are in the country below us, and two
far above in the mountains. One of the latter is to return this
fall to Canada, the States and the eastern world for a large rein-
forcement. How true — "while men slept, the enemy came and
sowed tares." Had a pious, devoted minister, a man of talent,
come into the country when we did and established himself at
Vancouver, to human appearance the moral aspect of this country
would not be the same as it is now; at least, we think Papacy
would not have gained such a footing. But the past cannot now
be retrieved. It remains for us to redeem the time; to stand in
our lines and fight manfully the battles of the Lord.

We send our imploring cry to you and ask, who will come to
our help and who, remaining, will sustain us in the work by the
mighty power of prayer? Without it, our work will be in vain,
and perhaps worse than in vain.

We have a concert of prayer on Tuesday evenings, called the
Oregon Concert, in which the members of this mission and our
Methodist brethren and sisters in the lower country unite to
pray for the success of the cause of Christ in Oregon.

It may be interesting to you to know something of what has
been done since we came here. The missionaries in this field, as
all Indian missions, have not only the spiritual wants of the
people to attend to, but are obliged to provide for their own sus-
tenance and comfort by cultivating land, building houses, mills,
etc., and school houses, etc., for the people. These greatly divide
his mind from his more appropriate mission work, and fill it
with distracting cares, causing him to mourn and be filled with
grief that so little is accomplished for the soul, the immortal

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 165

part of man. Yet we have the satisfaction to feel that good has
been and is done to them through this channel, and as well as
the more direct way of instruction.

The Kayuses, almost to a man, have their little farms now in
every direction in this valley, and are adding to it as their means
and experience increases.

[Remainder of this letter missing. — Sec'v.]

-y^Vw^

WaiilaTpu, Sept. 29th, 1842.

My Dear Jane and Edivard: — I sit down to write you, but in
great haste. My beloved husband has about concluded to start
next Monday to go to the Uuited States, the dear land of our
birth; but I remain behind. I could not undertake the journey,
if it was considered best for me to accompany him, that is to
travel as he expects to. He hopes to reach the borders in less
than three months, if the Lord prospers his way. It is a dread-
ful journey, especially at this season of the year; and as much as
I want to see you all, I cannot think of ever crossing the moun-
tains again — my present health will not admit of it. I would go
by water, if a way was ever open; but I have no reason to think
I ever shall.

If you are still in Quincy you may not see him until his re-
turn, as his business requires great haste. He wishes to reach
Boston as early as possible so as to make arrangements to return
next summer, if prospered. The interests of the missionary cause
in this country calls him home.

Now, dear Jane, are you going to come and join me in my
labours? Is dear Edward so far advanced as not to need your
aid any more? Do you think you would be contented to come
and spend the remainder of your life on mission ground? If so,
make your mind known to husband and he will make arrange-
ments for you at Boston to come. Count the cost well before you
undertake it. It is a dreadful journey to cross the mountains,

1 66 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

and becoming more and more dangerous every year; but if any
mission families come, you will find no difficulty in placing
yourself under their protection. Bring nothing with you but
what you need for the way, and a Sunday suit, a Bible and some
devotional book for your food by the way. Send the remainder
by ship. When E. has well finished his education, I hope he will
come, also, for there will be work enough here to do by that
time. At any rate, if you do not come, spend, if you please, all
the time you can in writing me until he comes back, for he wishes
to return next summer. Now do not disappoint me, for I have
not heard a word from either of you since March, 1840. I have
written you much since that time, but it may not have reached
you.

I shall be left alone at this station for a season, until Mr.
Gray can send some one up from below to take the charge; and
he has left the mission and goes to engage in a public school. I
hope to have Mr. Rogers or Mr. Iyittlejohn to winter here — the
latter wishes to return to the States iu the spring.

Now, dear J. and E., adieu. I hope you will see husband
long enough to have a good visit with him. I hope he will call
as he goes along. If he has time, he will, but his business re-
quires haste, if he returns next spring.

Please give much love to Mr. and Mrs. Beardsley; tell her I
shall never cease to remember and love her, and ardently hope
they will both write me. I should like to hear of the different
members of her family with whom I used to be acquainted.

Gladly would I write more if I could, but must write a line to
other friends. Pray for me and mine while we are separated from
each other.

Much love from myself to you both.

Affectionately your sister,

N. Whitman.

P. S. — I have forgotten to speak of husband's company in
travel. He is Mr. A. L. Lovejoy, a lawyer who came up from the

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 67

States this summer, and now is willing and anxious to return fur
the good he may do in returning. He will probably come back,
again. He is not a Christian, but appears to be an intelligent,
interesting man.

N. W.
Mr. Edward W. Prentiss,

Mission Institute,
Quincy, Illinois.
Favour of Ur. Whitman. Care of Rev. Wm. Beardsley.

Waiilatpu, Sept. 30th, 1842.

My Beloved Parents, Brothers and Sisters: — You will be sur-
prised if this letter reaches you to learn that the bearer is my
dear husband, and that you will, after a few days, have the
pleasure of seeing him. May you have a joyful meeting.
He goes upon important business as connected with the
missionary cause, the cause of Christ in this land, which I will
leave for him to explain when you see him, because I have not
time to enlarge. He has but yesterday fully made up his mind to
go, and he wishes to start Monday, and this is Friday. I shall be
left quite alone at this station for a season as Mr. G. and family
leave for the Wallamette to engage in a public school, and is dis-
missed from this mission. I hope to have Mr. Rogers and wife to
come and winter here, or Mr. Littlejohn, perhaps both, and next
summer I intend going below and spending some time in visit-
ing for the benefit of my health, that is to relieve myself from
care so that I shall have an opportunity to recruit. Now, dear
mother will wonder why I could not come with him. My health,
the season of the year, the speed with which he expects to travel,
and the danger of the way, are reasons which make it impossible
for me to accompany him. As much as I do desire to see my be-
loved friends once more, yet I cheerfully consent to remain be-
hind, that the object of his almost immediate presence in the
land of our birth might, if possible, be accomplished. He wishes
to cross the mountains during this month, I mean October, and

1 68 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

reach St. Louis about the first of Dec, if he is not detained by the
cold, or hostile Indians. O may the Lord preserve him through
the dangers of the way. He has for a companion Mr. Lovejoy, a
respectable, intelligent man and a lawyer, but not a Christian,
who expects to accompany him all the way to Boston, as his friends
are in that region, and perhaps to Washington. This is a com-
fort to me, and that he is not to go alone, or with some illiterate
mountain man, as we at first expected he would be obliged to.
He goes with the advice and entire confidence of his brethren in
the mission, and who value him not only as an associate, but as
their physician, and feel, as much as I do, that they know not how
to spare him; but the interest of the cause demands the sacrifice
on our part; and could you know all the circumstances in the case
you would see more clearly how much our hearts are identified in
the salvation of the Indians and the interests of the cause gener-
ally in this country.

I cannot write but little, as I wish to give several of my friends
at least a line or two to encourage them to remember me when
he returns. He hopes to come back next summer, and I do hope
each one of my brethren and sisters will tell me their own story
on paper themselves, for husband will have so much business on
his mind to attend to that he will not remember half you say to
him. And will not dear father and mother write me with their
own hand long letters? It will be, indeed, such a compensation
for our separation, and I trust I shall feel a sufficient reward for
permitting him to leave me behind and to make his visit alone
to you. Forgive me, dear mother, if he is the sole theme of this
letter; I can write about nothing else at this time. He is inex-
pressibly dear to me. Once when Mr. Lee left his wife and she
died in his absence, I thought I never could consent to be left so,
but since the death of our beloved A. Clarissa, the sundering of
that strong and tender tie has, I trust, loosened my affections to
earthly objects, or in other words divided my heart by removing
that tender object of a mother's love to my heavenly home, thus
admonishing me to hold my affections more in subserviency to
His blessed will for objects of earth, however strong the ties may
be, and increased my attachments above. It seems we have an-

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 69

other object added to increase our attachments to the home, which
our Saviour has gone to prepare for us.

I have just heard of the death of Sister M. A. Judson, but
know nothing of the particulars, but hope to this fall by ship.
I long to know more about it. I hope Brother J. is supported.

I hope you will have a long visit with your son and brother,
and a profitable one, and be cheered by it, and may he be pre-
served to return again. I can write no more. Adieu, my beloved
parents, brothers and sisters. May the rich blessings of heaven
rest upon us all, and we be so happy as to meet in heaven.

Affectionately yours,

N. Whitman.

P. S. — I hear that Sister H. is a mother. I hope she and her
husband will write me, also sister Clarissa and her husband, and
J. G. I have written to that brother, but have received none from
him. I would write to brother J. G. if I had time. He and all
others must receive my dear husband as my living epistle to them
and write me by him. N. W.

Hon. Stephen Prentiss,

Angelica, Allegany Co.,

New York.
Favour of Dr. Whitman.

Vancouver, June Sth, 1843.

My Beloved Brother and Sister Perkins:— I have but a mo-
ment's notice of an opportunity of sending to you. Your trunk
was forgotten by us all and brought on. I would send it now if
I could, but latin says his boat is too small for that and his sheep.
I felt very sad after leaving you, particularly as my visit had been
so marred with what transpired while passing. I was grieved to
see it affect you, as it was very natural it should. Rut there is

170 TWENTIETH ANNUAL REUNION

this consolation to comfort you, and in this case it is yours to re-
joice when you are persecuted for righteousness' sake.

I had a very fatiguing journey down; came near drowning
in the portage once. One of the boats upset, but no lives lost
The boat I was in just escaped capsizing. We arrived here just
before sunset, Sabbath; displeased with myself and every one
around me because of the profanation of the holy day of the
Lord.

Brother Hinds left this Tuesday morning. Dr. Barclay ad-
vises that I remain here nearly a month that he may be able to
satisfy himself respecting my case.

This is but a poor return for the two good long letters I have
received from Brother P. and the one from sister, yet I have a
heart tilled with gratitude and Christian sympathy and love for
you and those little ones associated with you.

Do write as often as you can, both of you.

Ever yours,

Narcissa Whitman.
Do not pay for these letters.

Waiilatpu, Jan. 30th, 1844.

Beloved Sister: — I received your kind letter and the accompany-
ing book, a short time since andenjoyed to hear that the blessings
of our kind Heavenly Father are still resting upon you and yours.
May they still be continued and yfcur precious lives be preserved
long for the poor heathen's sake.

I will do as you desire and forward the memoir of Mrs. Smith
to Mrs. Eells, as I shall have a good opportunity by my husband
when he goes to attend upon Mrs. Walker, the last of next
month.

After I arrived at Walla Walla last fall, I spent a week there,
and during the time I wrote several letters and sent back by the

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 171

express. Since that time I have not been able to write to any one.
I was not well when I left W. W., yet I thought I could endure
to ride here in one day in a wagon, but it proved too much for
me. We were in the evening late before we could reach home, as
they had to go slow on my account, and I took cold. For six
weeks after, I scarcely left my room and most of the time was
confined to my bed more or less; — could take no care of my family,
or but little. Indeed, I was in a much more miserable state than
I was last winter while with you. About the twentieth of Dec.
I was taken very suddenly with the inflammation of the bowels,
and for a few days my life was despaired of. But the Lord in His
infinite mercy directed and blessed means for my restoration in
answer to pra}er.

Since that time I have gradually gained my usual strength so
that I am able to see to my domestic concerns more than I have
any time since my return. I have not suffered from the disease I
took medicine for last summer, but a new and more precarious
one has discovered itself, since my return, yet of long standing.
It consists of an organic affection of the main artery below the
heart, a beating tumour which is liable to burst and extinguish
life at any moment. There is no remedy for it, so I never expect
to enjoy better health than I do at present; never do I expect to
continue long on the earth.

You expressed an assurance that I enjoyed the presence of my
Saviour in my affliction. It has, indeed, been so for the most of
the time. I feel that His mercies are very great to me and that I
can say with the Apostle, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is
gain." So long as it pleases Him to spare my life, I should like
to live for my family and the poor Indians' sake. Notwithstand-
ing I felt such a dread to return to this place of moral darkness,
after enjoying so much of civilized life and Christian privileges,
yet now I am here, I am happy and love my work and situation
and desire to live long to see the cause of Christ advanced
in this dark land. Indeed, I think I never enjoyed the privilege
of being a missionary better than this winter, although I cannot
do but little if any more than instruct my family and pray for
and sustain the hands of mv dear husband in his labours.

I72 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

My family consists of six children and a Frenchman that
came from the mountains and stops with us without invitation.
Mary Ann, however, is with Mrs. Littlejohn now. Two English
girls, Ann and Emma Hobson, one 13 and the other 7, of the par-
ty stopped with us; husband engaged to take them in the first
part of the journey, but when they arrived here they went directly
to W. Walla, being persuaded not to stay by some of the party
on account of the Indians. When I arrived at W. W. they saw
me and made themselves known to me and expressed a desire to
come home with me. The girls were so urgent to stop that I
could not well refuse them, and their father was obliged to give
them up. I felt unwilling to increase my family at that time,
but now have no reason to regret it, as they do the greater part of
my work and go to school besides. I should like to keep on and
tell you how I found things when I reached home; but this sheet
is full; I will, however, take another and direct it to Sister Perkins,
and as it is but the continuation of this, I presnme she will allow
you the privilege of reading it. I sympathize with you and Mrs.
M. in the affliction of a broken breast. Please remember me to
her if with you.

We send you a bunch of twine and desire to exchange it for
some shoe thread if you are willing and can spare it.

I often think and dream of you and the scenes of the past.
Neither do I forget you in my weak supplications at a throne of
grace and the people for whom you labour; but especially at the
seasons of our mothers' meetings do I feel a meeting of hearts
around the mercy seat clearer and sweeter to me than all this
earth can afford.

Kind regards to your dear husband, and please give many
kisses to the sweet babes for me.

Your sister,

N. Whitman.
Mrs. L. E. Brewer,

Wascopum.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 73

WAHXATPU, Jan. 31st, 1S44.

Beloved Sister: — My story was so long that I could not put it
all on one sheet, so I told Sister Brewer I would take another
and direct it to you, for I presume you would allow her the pe-
rusal. Before I begin, however, I will speak of the interest of this
day to us as mothers, it being the last Wednesday of the month,
and according to our constitution we have agreed to observe it as
a dav of fasting and prayer on our own account and our chil-
dren's. It did not occur to me last winter while I was with you.
It is a change that has been recently made in our constitution.
It is a pleasing thought to feel that on this day our hearts cen-
tre at one point, namely, the Mercy Seat, with all our interesting
charges in our arms as the mothers of old were agreed in bring-
ing their children to the Saviour while on the earth. Although
we are so widely separated in person, yet we meet there and feel
that our hearts are one for our object is one, and a dear one, too,
to every mother's heart. O when shall we be permitted to see
these heathen mothers as anxious and enjoy as much comfort in
bringing their children to the Saviour in such meetings as is
their privilege to? Perhaps you may live to see it, but I have no
reason to think 1 shall. I have written to Sister B. the particu-
lars concerning my health to which I must refer you. I must
begin my story, or I shall not be able to finish it even on this
sheet.

When I arrived home, I found Mr. and Mrs. Littlejohn occu-
pying my bedroom. She was sick, having been confined a few
days before I came. The room east of the kitchen, Mr. East and
family occupied — four children, all small. Mr. Looney, with a
family of six children and one young man by the name of Smith,
were in the Indian room. My two boys, Perrin Whitman and
David, slept up-stairs. Alex., the Frenchman, in the kitchen, and
Mary Ann and Helen in the trundle-bed in the room with Mr.
Littlejohn. The dining room alone remained for me, husband
and my two English girls; all of these were fed from our table
except Mr. Looney's family, and our scanty fare consisted of
potatoes and corn meal, with a little milk occasionally, and

174 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL EEUNION

cakes from the burnt wheat. This was a great change for me
from the well furnished tables of Waskopum and Willamette.

Thus it continued for four weeks with the exception of the
slaying of a lean hog as often as required. Besides those fed at
our table, there were three families in Mr. Gray's house that were
supplied with provisions by us; one a widow woman with three
children, whose husband was drowned in crossing the Snake
river, and another with four, and an aged couple. These consti-
tute the foreign inhabitants of Waiilatpu.

In about five weeks after my return, Mr. L. and family re-
moved into a room prepared for thein over the cellar, Mr. Looney
to the Prince's house up the river, and Mr. East to Mr. Spalding's,
taking with them one of the daughters of Mrs. Eyers, the widow,
to live with Mrs. S. During all this period and for some time
after I was to sick too make any effort at arranging m}r house, or
to have the care of my family, and the confusion and noise dis-
tressed me exceedingly, for every child about the house, my own
with the rest, were as wild and uncontrollable as so many wild
animals.

As soon as Mrs. L. recovered her health and got settled, she
opened a school for the children of the white inhabitants which
numbers fifteen scholars. Now our children are quite tame and
manageable and we feel that they are all enjoying a great privilege.
How many times I have thought of Henry and Ellen and wished
they could enjoy the same. For about a month past my health
has so much improved that I have had strength to set some part
of my house in order by degrees and to relieve my husband in
his care of the family in a good measure. He never expects
me to be anything more than an invalid, consequently my labours
will be circumscribed.

I hope your dear husband will favour us with his presence at
our expected meeting, accompanied by Mr. Lee.

111 all things I desire to be submissive to the will of my Sav-
iour, although at times I have felt that it was trying to be taken
away in the midst of my days and without accomplishing more

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 75

for Christ. The Lord's time is the best for us if we can always
feel it to be so, which I desire to do.

Do pray for your unworthy sister,

N. Whitman.
Mrs. Elvira Perkins,

Waskopum.

Waiilatpu, April 24, 1844.

Dear Sister Brezcer:— I hear that you are alone and I thought
I would write a little to comfort, or at least to assure you that I
have not forgotten you or yours, although I am unable to write
as much as I would like to. Your letter, together with the accom-
paning ones, came in a good time when they did us much good,
and I have wanted very much to reply to them earlier, but have
felt too unwell most of the time, or had so much caie I could not
find time when I was able. You have had the trouble of enter-
taining our winter visitors, and longer, too, I fear, than you knew
how. I sympathize with you and hope provisions have not been
as short with you as us, but fear they have been more so. We were
greatly in hopes that we should have one of your number to visit
with us this spring, but it seems Mr. and Mrs. P. and family have
gone below. I hear nothing from Sister Abernethy nor any of
them below; I desire to very much. I wish you could visit us
this summer — will you not try? It would be so refreshing. Do
come — all of you. How I do desire to enjoy another refreshing
season of divine worship and social privileges, such as I used to
last summer. But 1 do not know as I may ever in this world.

Our Indians have been very much excited this spring, but are
now quiet. The influx of emigration is net a going to let us live
in as much quiet, as it regards the people, as we have done.

I must close. This is a miserable letter and not worth read-
ing; I have written in such haste. But this one thing be assured,
I still love and think of you with increased interest, and if we

176 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

meet no rnore in this world, it gives me joy to think we may meet

in Heaven and there, being washed white in the blood of the Lamb,

Praise Him continually.

Affectionately yours,

N. Whitman.
Mrs. L. L. Brewer,

Waskopum.

Waiilatpu, Oregon Territory,)
May 18th, 1844. j

Mrs. Lydia E. Porter, My Dear Sister: — It is impossible for
me to describe the many pleasing associations that entwined
around my heart as I perused the three tokens of affectionate re-
membrance received by the hand of my husband, from the
friends of my early youth, the dearest friends of my heart, and
friends of my Saviour, too. It would have been an indescribable
favour to have participated with hirn in the visit; but this could
not have been, short as it was. It is a great satisfaction to me
and was to him to have seen your faces again in the flesh. That
I shall ever be permitted to visit my dear native Prattsburg again
is very uncertain. I do not desire to, so long as my poor ineffi-
cient services are needed here, much as I should enjoy the visit. I
had rather try to induce my friends to come and see me and seek
a home in Oregon. A wide door of usefulness is open here to
the philanthropic and benevolent heart. Multitudes are flocking
to this land and will continue to in still greater numbers, and
for every purpose. And our anxious desire is that the salt of the
earth should be found among them, also that this entire country
may be seasoned with heavenly influence from above. The powers
of darkness have long held their undivided sway over this land,
and we feel that Satan will not quietly yield his dominions to
another. He is on the alert with all his hosts, and in as many
ways as he has numbers employed to gain the entire victory to
keep and drive from the field all who molest or disturb his quiet.
Many souls are here for whom Christ died, and multitudes more

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 77

unconcerned are hastening to this far-distant land to seek their for-
tune of wordly goods, regardless of their treasure in heaven. But
thanks be to the hearer of prayer, many already have found
Christ in Oregon, who have long rejected him in a gospel land.
Last summer while husband was absent, I had the unspeakable
happiness of attending two meetings of days at different places —
while on a visit to the Willamette among our Methodist friends.
Almost every soul was affected with divine truth and many, we
trust, found peace in believing.

I left the station soon after husband's departure and spent
the winter with Messrs. Lee, Perkins and Brewer's families, of the
Methodist mission. My health was quite poor, indeed I was un-
able to ride to any of the stations of our mission, and being in-
vited and desirous of visiting them, I availed myself of the oppor-
tunity of a passage down the river in the express boats. In April,
returned to the station, and in June went to Vancouver and the
Willamette on a visit, as there was no female society at the sta-
tion. I enjoyed my visit much; having been so long from the
civilized world, it seemed good to get among Christians once
more. I was in the Willamette when husband arrived at this
place. He could not come for me as he had to visit Brother Spald-
ing's on an express, as Sister S. was then at the point of death
and had been dangerously ill for some time. But she has been
mercifully spared to us, and is now enjoying comfortable health.
From Mr. S. he returned to the station to make arrangements for
imparting provisions to the emigrants, which took all the station
raised the past year, leaving us to obtain our supplies from
Brother Spalding. Immediately he was obliged to go a hundred
and sixty miles to Brother Eells to attend Sister E. in her expect-
ed confinement. Before he returned I was making my way up
the river under the protection of Rev. Jason Lee, superintendent
of that mission, who was coming up as far as their mission at
the Dalls. It was at this place we met after a separation of
little more than a year, rejoicing in the mercy of God to us both
in sparing our lives and permitting us to see each other again.
We came home immediately and re-organized our family which
had increased considerably. My health, which before had been

178 TWENTIETH ANNUAL REUNION

very feeble, was most precarious for three months after my re-
turn. At one time I was brought very near the gates of death. I
am at present by no means perfectly well, but am more comfort-
able than I then feared I ever should be. I desire to spend the
remnant of my day to the glory of God, and to be in constant
readiness for my departure, for I feel that it is not far distant.
Truly you and your dear husband have been deeply afflicted
in the death of so many members of your beloved families. I
feel to sympathize with you and your truly bereaved and aged
father. Please present my love and kindest remembrances to him.
I could not keep from weeping in hearing my husband's interest-
ing description of him. Surely, what has he to bind him to
earth when the most of his beloved family is in heaven. I love
to think of them there as my own dear friends, for I hope soon to
be with them.

Husband has been writing to Father Hotchkiss concerning
this country, what I hope your dear husband will see, and with
other friends be prevailed upon to come to this country and
adopt it as your own. Be assured nothing would give us greater
pleasure than to see some of our Prattsburg friends here in Ore-
gon.

I sincerely hope you will write me often, for I am anxious to
hear more particulars concerning Mrs. Iceland's death and her
surviving family. You know not how much I enjoyed the read-
ing of the Pastor's Wife which Mr. Malin kindly sent me. I had
written her, as also Mrs. O. L. Porter, but have received no an-
swers.

Please remember me affectionately to each member of your
family, your Brother V. and P.'s family, and all Christian friends
who may inquire. Forget not to write concerning your own dear
children and your maternal association, for I desire much to
know of its prosperity; also of the cause of Christ generally.

Yours sincerely and affectionately,

Narcissa Whitman.
Mrs. Lydia C. Porter,

Prattsburg,

Steuben County, N. Y.
Favour of W. Gilpin.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 79

Waiii,atpu, Oregon Territory, )
May 20th 1844. J

My Dear Clarissa: — I am glarl you have begun to write
rue. I hope it will not be the last one I shall receive from you.
You cannot do me so much good in any way, except by praying
for me, as in writing me all about yourselves and beloved children.
I want to see how you look and how you live. I try to be faith-
ful on my part, although I have not so much time as you, and
many more correspondents. My husband's visit was very short,
too much so to gain all the information I was in hopes he would
bring me. Yet I am glad he has seen you, although I have not
had the privilege. It would give me great eujoyment to visit you
once more, but I cannot expect it; I am a missionary, and there-
fore cannot seek after comfort merely, but must be content to
stay where I am and do the Lord's work. Believe me, dear sister,
I am most perfectly so. I would not be otherwise situated so long
as the Lord wants me here.

You and sister Harriet seem anxious to make me laugh. Per-
haps if you could see me you would not desire to. I feel but little
disposition to, I can assure you, for I have more around me and
within, to make me cry than to make me laugh. In the first
place, my health is poor, and I feel as if I was not very far from
Eternity. My family cares are numerous. I feel sometimes as if
I had almost as many children as mother, although they are not
my own. Yet I have the same care of them as if I was their own
mother; and the native children are more difficult to manage than
our own. Besides these, I have a sluggish heart within that requires
constant watching. I desire to be cheerful, because that is a duty;
but I find it hard work always to be so, especially when husband
was gone. But the Lord supported me, else I could not have been
at all.

For two weeks past Mrs. McKinlay has been here. She came to
stay during her confinement, as there are no females at the Fort.
She boards with Sister Littlejohn, who lives in the east wing of
our house over the cellar. This morn we were called about four
o'clock and in a short time she was delivered of a fine son. This

l8o TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

is her second child born in this house. She had a daughter born
two years ago now that died last fall with the croup.

Dear C, do you think we shall ever see you in Oregon? Hus-
band has been writing to father and others, to hold out induce-
ments for our friends to come into this country.

The Indians are roused a good deal at seeing so many emi-
grants, but they are foolish enough to wish to sell their lands.

Husband tells me that you and mother are in the same house
ogether and that Harriet is close by. I think you must be happy
n so many of you being so near together and having father and
mother with you.

I wish they would come and live with me. True, they are
considerably advanced, and you think too old to cross the Rocky
mountains. We wintered an old couple last winter that had fol-
lowed their children to this country, for the sake of benefiting
them in the things of this world. They were considerable older
than father and mother. They came in wagons all the way, and
was sick, particularly the woman, most all the way. But the past
winter she has fleshed and regained her health, better than it
had been for years, notwithstanding our living was very plain —
good beef, potatoes and cornmeal — no milk nor butter through
the winter. We find it very good to dispense with horse beef and
have plenty of cow beef in its place.

I do not know as I should be more surprised to see them than
to see many that I have seen. True, it would be very fatiguing
and distressing to both mind and body, for them both. I cannot
say that I desire they should endure so much fatigue and suffer-
ing in their old age as they would necessarily to come and see
me, unless there was a more ennobling object; but for a young
couple just beginning in life, perhaps there is not a place where
they would do better. Please tell Harriet that I shall not be able
to answer her letter at this mail, as I have my Rushville friends
to answer yet. Soon we hope to have a monthly mail to pass
back and forth from here to the States, then I hope to receive
letters often.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 181

Remember me affectionately to your husband and all the
friends there.

Ever your affectionate sister,

N. Whitman.
Mrs. Clarissa P. Kinny,

Cuba, Allegheny Co.,

New York.
Favour of W. Gilpin.

WaiixaTptj, Aug. 5th, 1844.

My Dear Mrs. Brewer: — Tilaukikt is about starting for the
Willamette, and I take the opportunity of replying to yours of
June 10th, which was thankfully received. We know well how to
sympathize with you in having such boys as Eli and Thomas
about you, and for the trouble of those families in passing. We
are all of us, I suppose, on the eve of another such scene as last
fall — the passing of emigrants — and as it falls the heavier upon
my friends at the Dalls, I hope they have laid in a good stock of
strength, patience and every needed grace for the siege. We have
had no news from that quarter as yet, but cannot think it will
be long before we shall hear.

We hear Mr. and Mrs. Gary are visiting you. Last week we
sent an invitation to Mr. G. in a letter to Mr. Perkins, to have
him visit us accompanied by Brother P. and any other member
of your mission who could conveniently come, and we have been
looking for and anxiously desire to see them. Perhaps our letter
may not have been received. By the by, we never heard in all of
our correspondence from the lower country, that there was a Mrs.
Gary until our letters and papers from the Islands arrived. If
she is still with you, please do me the favour to present her our
Christian salutations and a hearty welcome to Oregon, our
adopted home.

We should be happy to have her visit us at the present time,
if convenient. I can imagine myself with you, particularly in

1 82 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

your enjoyments, both social and spiritual, and if it would be
right, could envy you. Is Brother and Sister Waller there? We
have heard that they were coming to the Dalls, but not that they
were come. Do write us when you can. It does us good to
know that you all are enjoying such privileges, if we must be
deprived of them. I think my husband would have made you a
visit if he could have known that it was not convenient for any
of your number to come to Waiilatpu.

I wrote Sister Perkins last week. The Indian leaves this
morning, and as I write in haste, you will please excuse the brev-
ity of this note. I should like to hear the result of the late camp
meeting.

Love to you all, in which the doctor unites.

Sincerely and affectionately yours,

Narcissa Whitman.

Waiilatpu, Feb. 20th, 1845.

My Dear Mrs. Brewer: — I do not recollect that I am indebted
to you, but having a favourable opportunity of sending, and feel-
ing desirous of a social chat with you, I have seated myself to
write, although my baby is whining and the children are busy
about me like so many bees.

I am anticipating very much enjoyment from your contem-
plated visit to us this season. I hope you will not disappoint us.
Please let me know about the time when you will probably come.

[ have had a very happy winter in labouring for my family
of orphans, and other reasons. The Lord so mercifully provided
me with a fellow labourer that I feel I never can be sufficiently
thankful. I think I mentioned when I wrote last that we had
an excellent school, and that our children were improving rapid-
ly; and perhaps I spoke, too, of the conversion of the teacher to
God. A kind Providence brought him to our door, and he had

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 183

not been here many days before, like the prodigal in a far coun-
try, he came to himself, and remembering the many prayers and
admonitions of parental love, his former convictions and striv-
ings of the Spirit, together with the long suffering patience and
loving kindness of his Heavenly Father, he resolved to return,
and in deep contrition, consecrated himself to his divine Master.
Now he contemplates studying for the ministry, and with this
view remains with us for a season and will teach school, or, at
least, give one lesson a day through the summer, and next winter
keep a regular one.

Since his conversion, Mr. Hinman has laboured indefatigably
in Sabbath-school and otherwise for the benefit of the youths
and children that have been with us the winter past, and much
good seed has been sown which we doubt not will be felt here-
after.

I write in so much confusion, that I shall be obliged to stop
before I have said what I wish to.

Husband is so much engaged in fitting out and settling with
the immigrants that he wishes me to apologize to your husband
for him. He would write, if possible. He sends some corn as
Mr. B. requested. He has none that has been particularly saved
for seed; but will, next fall, if desired, save and send some New
York corn, which we find to be very suitable for the country.
Some beets and acorn squash seeds are in the bag with the corn.
The others you requested, we have none.

Please give m}^ love to Brother and Sister Waller, to your
husband and self and all the dear children, and believe me, in
haste,

Yours affectionately,

N. W.

Mrs L. L. Brewer,

Wascopum.

1 84 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

WaiilaTpu, May 19th, 1845.

My Dear Mrs.Breiver: — My husband and our dear Brother Hin-
man are about to visit you, and I wish very much I could enjoy it
with them. I have been looking for a visit from you and Brother
Brewer, and regret very much that you have not been here at the
time you mentioned, for both Mr. Walker's and Mr. Eells' fami-
lies have been here. Why did you not come? I am afraid now
you will not let me see you this summer; do come if you can when
the doctor returns. How I should like to converse with you about
your and our trials, hopes, fears and prospects in the missionary
work. I cannot write much now, but hope you will enjoy the
company of those who go from here and be of mutual benefit to
each other. We were permitted while the mission was here to
receive Brother Hinman into our church. It was an interesting
time not soon to be forgotten. Please give my love to Brother
and Sister Waller, your dear husband, and kiss the dear children
for me. Have you heard from Brother Perkins lately? and also,
Mr. J. Lee, is he coming back?

Yours in love,

Narcissa Whitman.
Mrs. L. L. Brewer,

Wascopum.

Favour of Mr. Hinman.

WaiilaTpu, August 9th, 1845.
My Dear Sister: — Your sympathizing letter came in just the
time to do me much good. I thank you for it, and for the infor-
mation it contained concerning Francisco, and the feelings of
the party with whom he traveled, about the orphan children
with us. I read your letter to John; he seemed quite hurt about
Mr. P.'s charge, and said that he (Mr. P.I asked him several times
if he did not wish to go to the Willamette. I saw nothing to

OREGON ASSOCIATION PIONEER 1 85

make me think that John wished to have his brother go; but, on
the contrary, he and all the sisters tried to keep him and ap-
peared to feel very bad about his going. If it were otherwise,
his actions deceive me very much.

You are right in saying that I "feel indifferent to what is
said about me, so far as I am concerned individually." I endeav-
our in all things to act towards the children as if they were my
own. My sincere, ardent and abiding wish is to train them up
for God and eternity, and not for their transient existence in
this life. I try to study my duty towards them in every respect,
both carefully and prayerfully. We felt it our duty to have them
baptized, as many as were willing to be, and accordingly we did
so, the girls only consenting. I felt it a great privilege to do so
still, and am greatly strengthened in spirit to labour for them.

I do not think them difficult children to manage, neither do
I have occasion often to use the rod. The little one, as all other
little children do, manifested a stubborn disposition at first,
which required subduing; since she has appeared well — obeys
promptly when spoken to. I have no reason to regret the course
I have pursued with her, when I consider the effects upon her dis-
position, naturally very obstinate, as well as all the others. Doubt-
less this is what has occasioned the remarks, for it took place
about the time Francisco went away. Louise, the next older, I
have not been able to subdue so completely; but she is much
better than when she first came. They were said to be very bad
children when they were left; but there was a reason for that.
Left without restraint in such a journey, it could not be expected
otherwise. Putting them all in school immediately under such
a good and faithful disciplinarian as Mr. Hinman, I was entirely
relieved of the difficult and hard task of breaking them in to
habits of obedience and order. I feel that I never can be too
thankful for the mercies of the Lord in placing such a good
young man in our family to do this work for us when my health
was so inadequate to the work, and the doctor so entirely taken
up with other duties with emigrants and Indians. He has also,
accomplished the tedious task of starting them all in a, b, c, and

1 86 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

ba, be, etc. They are so well advanced and have been trained to
such good habits of study, that my labour is comparatively easy,
and I am now taking new delight every day in teaching. All
except Louise read and spell well. She is in words of three letters.
Some, or all of the older ones, are showing considerable mind and
rather seriously inclined. Our Sabbath-school is always an inter-
esting season with us — increasingly so. I am desirous to see them
Christians. What I do I feel that I ought to do immediately;
and will you pray for me, my dear sister, that our instructions
may not be lost upon them? I could write much more upon this
subject, but have not time. I wish I could see you, then we could
open our hearts freely to each other. Do come if you can and
see us.

I do feel, as I have every reason to believe you do, that the
receipt of our Mother's Magazine is an unspeakable favour. Situ-
ated as we are, away from other help, what a blessing to possess
such a pleasing auxiliary in our labours as mothers. I hope and
pray that its introduction into this county will be the means of
much good. Husband sent the one that came to Mrs. Perkins to
Mrs. Willson. Perhaps Mrs. Waller would have preferred to have
had it continued to her in the room of Mrs. Perkins. I do not
know as Mrs. Willson wishes to become responsible for it; if not,
and Mrs. W. would, it can be sent to her. Other numbers can be
ordered if desired.

I received from the editor receipts for each subscriber. Yours
I will enclose and forward at this time. If husband had opened
my package, he would have been able to have distributed them
to all. Y'ou will see that it is given for a little more than the
doctor settled for, the bound volume being twenty-hve cents more
than the unbound ones. Mrs. McKinlay has all the back bound
volumes sent to her order.

But I must close. If you can read this poorly written letter,
I shall be glad. It would be no more than justice to your good
sense to copy it, but inability from poor health and numerous
cares, pleads to be excused. Please give my love to Brother and
Sister Waller and your husband in which husband unites. Please

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 87

accept of our united thanks for your kindness to him in passing.
He enjoyed his visit with you and in the Willamette very much.

Affectionately yours,

Narcissa Whitman.

P. S. — John sends an invitation to his brother, and a horse to
have him come back. I hope it will have the effect to prevail on
him to do so. I feel much for him and wish him to return, as all
of us do, and pray the Lord to restore the wanderer to our arms
again.

Waiilatpu, Nov. 28th, 1845.
My Dear Mrs. Brewer: — I seize a moment this morning to
write you, although it is in the midst of bustle and Indian excite-
ment. Mr. Rinearson will hand you this. He has been engaged
by us in teaching an Indian school. He is a very agreeable and
good young man in every respect, except he lacks the one thing
needful. He will be our living epistle to you concerning the state
of things with us. It may be that we shall be obliged to leave
here in the spring. The state of things looks now very much as
though we should be required to.

We have long been anxious to hear from you. From Indian
reports, we fear that you have been through a season of trial and
distress the season past before unknown. If so, I hope the strength
and grace of God has been your support and consolation through
all your afflictions.

I feel greatly worn out, both physically and mentally, so that
I scarcely feel strength enough of mind left to dictate any thing
that will be worth reading. But I felt that I could not let this
opportunity pass without just saying to you that we often think
and speak of you both, and Brother and Sister Waller, too; love
and sympathize with you as fellow sharers in the same labour ,
trials, faith and patience, in the work of our Divine Master.

1 88 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

For the poor Indians' sake and the relief of future travelers
to this country, I could wish to stay here longer if we could do it
in peace. We fear, sometimes, as if our quietness was past for
this country, at least for a season. It may be that you are suffer-
ing under the same commotions that affect us, and perhaps more
so. If so, you will understand me. Mr. Rinearson has a full view
of the subjects agitated, takes a deep interest in our situation and
prospects, as well as the interest of the Indians and country.

I received your letter by Mr. Spalding and was much refreshed
by it, and I believe I have not written you since.

Please give my love to Brother and Sister Waller, and accept

for yourself and husband our assurances of continued esteem

and affection.

Your sister in Christ,

N. Whitman.

Mrs. L/. Li. Brewer,

Wascopum.
Favour of Mr. Rinearson.

Waiilatpu, April 2d, 1846.

My Dear Edward: — You can imagine better than I can de-
scribe how glad I was to receive your token of remembrance, to-
gether with the letters from yourself and Jane last September, as
two of the emigrants called on us to deliver them. Your letters,
Edward, were just the thing for me. I like such kind of letters
as show me the spirit and make of the writer. I cannot see how
it should be so difficult for you or the girls to write me, and
should think you might write me five or six times a year instead
of once in two or more years. I really believe if you were situated
as I am you never would write at all. Think of me now while I
am attempting to write — half a dozen children making a noise
around me, and to put on the climax, the doctor must come in,
and taking a paper sit down and read aloud or talk to Mr. Rogers,

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 89

who is sitting in the room; then in comes an Indian woman or
two to sell some dry berries, and I must stop to attend to them,
until I am quite lost and scarcely know what I am thinking
about, especially when I have nearly twenty letters to write, and
but little time to accomplish it in; but enough of this.

I have just asked the doctor what I should say to you about
your coming to Oregon. He says there is no want of inducement
for you to come, and he intends to write you some of them at.
least; but the only qualification you need, he says, is a wife, and
then yon must bring Jane. I do not know what you will say to
that. If there were any here to be had, I should prefer to have
you come without; but as there is none, and to make the trip
twice to get one would be dubious; for this reason, if you could
find a good one, by all means get her and come on, and bring
Jane with you. You cannot tell how anxious I am to see you. I
have been looking for you more or less for several years past.
You know not how disappointed I was that the doctor did not
bring Jane with him. He wants to have her here as much as I
do; but the reason he did not bring her was — (you will laugh
when I tell you) — the Indians would say that he had got tired of
me and taken another wife, as they do, or was wishing to have
two wives. Don't be frightened at this, Jane, and stay away, but
by all means come, both of you. We have work enough for all
of you to do, and want your help very much. It is a pleasant,
health}- country to live in. When once here you will not wish
to go away again. It is a bad job to get here, but make the best
of that you can and come. I do wish Mr. Pope and his lady
would come. Good men are needed here and he would do well
for himself. Jane might have come with husband if he had
known in season of some good family for her to come in, but it
will be pleasanter for her to come with her brother.

The journey is a trying one to the faith and hopes of Chris-
tians. Slvuild you come I hope you will look well to the exercises
of your own heart and never neglect to watch and pray. Hold
sweet communion with God every day. Make it a point not to
neglect this duty and you will be assisted to make the journey

I90 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL EEUNION

without having to experience the bitter reflection after your
arrival of dishonouring God and your profession by the way.

Dear brother, this is the most important subject to be looked
at in making a journey to this country. "See that ye fall not
out by the way," was Joseph's advice to his brethren. And it
would be well if it were written on every Christian's wagon, or to
say the least, his heart, to be called to mind every day or every
hour of the day as need be. You will be tried in every point and
in many ways you never were before. You may be persecuted
and reviled, "but if you suffer for Christ's sake, happy are ye;"
but if for your own faults, then it will be trying. Much of this
will be avoided if you have a select few who are devoted Chris-
tians, united in all points for each others, interest, especially in
keeping the Sabbath and social worship, etc. If you come together
and keep together all the way, it may be made very agreeable.
This, perhaps, may be difficult to find a party sufficiently large
to be safe. There are several gentlemen going back this spring
that left their families last year and intend returning next year,
I believe. I hope 5'ou will have an opportunity of seeing some of
them, from whom you may learn more about the journey than I
can write. I am not concerned but that you will get here well
enough if you start with any suitable arrangement; but I am
more anxious lest you should not at all times bring honour upon
Christ, our dear Redeemer, who died to save us. The excitement
is great and objects of faith are too apt to be lost sight of in
objects of sense, and our duty of prayer and watchfulness neglect-
ed. When you have experienced what I have, and heard and seen
what I have in others, you will believe me if you do not feel the
importance now.

Hoping the Lord will bring you safely here and that we shall
be permitted to see each other's faces in the flesh and enjoy His
unspeakable favours together in glorifying Him while we live.

So prays your devoted sister,

NARCISSA.

P. S. — There were many very useful articles in the box you sent
me for all of which I thank you. I was in hopes of finding one little

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION I9I

article more that is needed more than most any other because it
cannot be obtained here; namely, a pi-la-ain, as the Indians call
it (louse trap). You will understand me, I suppose — the finest
fine combs cannot be obtained here, for that reason I was in hopes
of finding one in the box. I know you would have sent me some
if you had kown my need. At any rate, I was very proud to get
what I did from you, because it came from you, dear brother.

WaiilaTpu, April 2, 1846.

My Dear Jane: — The season for sending letters has nearly ar-
rived, and I begin to feel as if I must be about writing to some
of my friends or they will complain of my negligence or forget-
fulness. I believe I have written very few letters since the doc-
tor returned. My health has been so poor, and my family has
increased so rapidly, that it has been impossible. You will be
astonished to know that we have eleven children in our family,
and not one of them our own by birth, but so it is. Seven or-
phans were brought to our door in Oct., 1844, whose parents both
died on the way to this country. Destitute and friendless, there
was no other alternative — we must take them in or they must
perish. The 3-oungest was an infant five months old — born on
the way — nearly famished and but just alive; the eldest was 13- -
two boys and five girls; the boys were the oldest. The eldest
daughter was lying with a broken leg by the side of her parents
as they were dying, one after the other. They were an afflicted
and distressed family in the journey, and when the children ar-
rived here they were in a miserable condition. You can better
imagine than I can describe my feelings under those circum-
stances. Weak and feeble as I was, in an Indian country without
the possibility of obtaining help, to have so many helpless chil-
dren cast upon our arms at once, rolled a burden upon me insup-
portable. Nothing could reconcile me to it but the thought that
it was the Lord that brought them here, and He would give me
grace and strength so to discharge my duty to them as to be ac-

I92 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

ceptable in His sight. The Lord at the same time sent us a ver}'
good young man, originally from New York, whom we employed
to teach an English school. He was of great assistance to me in
bringing the children into good habits and advancing them in
reading, as well as in the government of them. He was not pious
when he entered the family, but the influence of being once
more in a Christian family, called to his mind the feeling and
many prayers and tears of a pious mother and deceased father for
him, and overwhelmed him. He went to a retired spot just below
the house on the river side and wept bitterly and poured out his soul
to God in prayer and consecrated himself to His service. He imme-
diately engaged in religious duty and was my associate in instruct-
ing and labouring with the children in Sabbath school and other-
wise. Several families wintered here, which made the school quite
large. At the annual meeting of our mission he united with the
mission church. He is now in the Willamette teaching in the
Oregon Institute. This was the winter of 1844 and 1845.

I received no letters from you or Edward that fall and thought
it surprising that in all that great company you could not have
sent us a single letter. I think I wrote you in the spring by Over-
ton's party; hope you have got it by this time. It seems to me
the immigration might bring me letters from my friends every
year. I have not had a letter from mother in a great while, and
I most envy you your privilege and wonder why you did not send
it to me, so that I might have the reading also; the last from fa-
ther was when doctor returned. I have just been writing to Ed-
ward how much we wish to see you both here and hope you will
three of you come; there is work enough for you to do. We could
give you a school all the time — an English school — our children
and the children of the other families of the mission and perhaps
some others; also, an Indian school some part of the time.

Dearest Jane, you know not what special tokens of our dear
Redeemer's love and mercy we have been receiving the last three
months. Last Saturday, however, was a day of all days never to
be forgotten by me, while I live. And can you think what it was,
beloved sister? It was this: The triumphant death of a dear

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 1 93

brother in Christ. I wish I could enter into particulars and lay
out the whole scene before you so that you could see and feel it as
I do and those who were witnesses of his glorious departure. The
individual was Joseph L. Finley from Illinois, who came over
with the last immigration for his health; his disease was consump-
tion, and deep-seated when he left the States. He was advised to
stop here for the winter because it would be so unfavourable for
invalids in the lower country in the winter. You will wonder how
I could have the care of him in my feeble state of health and
large family. He kept about until about the middle of January
and during that time boarded with a cousin that stopped for the
winter; when he became confined to his room, I opened my bed-
room to him, as there was no other on the premises suitable for
a sick man, and a cousin, a young woman, came and took care of
him until the families left for the Willamette, the first of March.
Mr. Rogers, our school teacher, had the principal care of him, as
also during the journey. He was without a well-grounded hope
when he came here, and the Lord was pleased to bless our efforts
for his salvation. He afterwards desired to unite with our church,
and accordingly did Feb. 26th, in company with Mr. Rogers, who
had formerly been a member of the Seceders. Being in my fam-
ily, I was very much with him and read and prayed with him al-
most daily towards the close of his life. He grew in grace stead-
ily and felt that he was over-privileged to die in such a quiet
place, where he could have the society of those who cared for his
soul. Dear sister — he was a stranger, moneyless and friendless, in
one sense — no relative who felt the responsibility of caring for
him. He was just such a one as the Saviour says, "Inasmuch as
ye have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye have done
it unto me."

Mr. Finley was nearly 32 years of age — was never married.

We felt, that is Brother Rogers and myself, that we were
abundantly rewarded for all the care and labour we had bestowed
upon him. It was such a glorious sight, especially to Brother
Spalding and Brother Rogers, who had never seen the like
before. Husband and myself saw much the same in Mrs. Sat-

194 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

terlee, at Liberty, when we were coming to this country. Let us
praise the Lord, dear sister, and live so that our death may be
as triumphantly glorious.

Affectionately your sister,

Narcissa Whitman.
Mr. Edward W. Prentiss,

Quincy,

Illinois.

Waiilatpu, May 15th, 1846.

Edward and Jane Prentiss, My Dear Brother and Sister: — It
gave us much pleasure to receive your letter by the last emigra-
tion, but it would have given us more to have seen you both here.
If I could have known more when I was home I would have tried
to have had you both come out with me. It is now, however,
still favourable for you to come. Narcissa wants Jane to come
and I want Edward, but it is not for us that you should come but
for yourselves and the Lord. Edward would do well to have a
wife and then come, and Jane will be agreeable with or without a
husband, as suits her best; but if she comes without one, I shall
try to convince her of her duty to marry. This country needs
those who are able and willing to found and support society, re-
ligion, and schools. There are the best inducements to young
men to come and locate a mile square of first-rate land in a
better climate than in any of the States, with the broad Pacific
ocean to open in prospect before them. A good title will be
secured to all who locate and reside on or occupy land or mile
squares, according to the Oregon laws.

You must see how fine it is for a settler not only not to have
to feed his stock as a general thing, but when he first comes, his
poor stock can winter the fir=>t winter without the need of provid-
ing for them. We want a school teacher every winter, and shall
like to employ you the first winter, at least, until you can look
around. We had a good, pious teacher last winter and may have

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 195

him the next. He adds instruction in musick. I believe he wrote
Jane on the spur of Mrs. Whitman's promising to write his mother
in case he would write one of her friends. He is studying for the
ministry with one of the ministers of our mission, Rev. Elkanah
Walker.

It cannot be much for you to come the rest of the way now
you are so near, and more since you have become weaned from
favorite spots of your youth. If Father and Mother Prentiss
should consent to come with you, I think they would be rejoiced
in their old age. A light wagon with an ox team is the best for
families, as all must keep company on the road. Eet provisions
so far as can be, be the only loading. Necessities for the journey
are all you want, unless you have special reasons for bringing
something in particular. The intimations in your letter that you
might come if we would write you, give us hope to look for you
the next year. In the meantime.get Brother Jackson and Kenny,
etc., to come with you, as also Galusha and Father and Mother
Prentiss.

It is a hurried letter I have to give you, but I hope it will be
taken as a token of our love to you both, with desire to see you.

With our united love to you both,

I am your affectionate brother,

Marcus Whitman.

Jane, you need not fear what rny husband says. I am not
anxious you should without you find a good husband and desire
to. But come and see us at any rate. Mr. Rogers has written
you and given you much interesting information about the jour-
ney, etc. Don't take it amiss that he has written you — he has
"illy helped me to tell a part of my story. I should have written
to his mother if I could, but I have had to write such a long
letter to Mr. Finley's father — the young man that died here —
that I could not get the time. 1 wish you could see it. He lives
in the same town that Mr. Roger's parents do, so if Edward ever
travels there he can inquire for it if you please, and they are
willing to show it. E. and Jane, where are you now? Have ymi

I96 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

gone back to see mother again? I wish I could see her, too; but
you will not thank me for writing so. I am in a hurry and can-
not do otherwise; so this or none. Goodbye; come and see us as
soon as you can. Love to all inquiriug friends.

Your sister,

Narcissa.
Mr. Edward W. Prentiss,

Quincy,

Illinois.
Care of Mr. Pope.

WaiilaTpu, July 17th, 1S46.

My Dear Mrs. Brewer: — A long silence has prevailed of late
between us as to letter writing, and it is perhaps my fault as much
as any one. I find it increasingly difficult for me to command a
sufficient relief from the cares of so numerous a family of chil-
dren to write as many letters as I desire to. Another reason — I
have been looking for a visit from you all summer long, and do-
not yet feel willing to give it up. We have heard you started
once and came part way and was obliged to return on account of
sickness. 1 regret this very much, for had you come at that time
you would have met Mr. and Mrs. Eells here, who would have
rejoiced very much to see you. Will you not make another effort
when Mr. S. returns and accompany him. I should be so delighted
to see you and yours once more, and also to become acquainted
with Mr. and Mrs. Gary of whom I have. heard much. This is a
dry and thirsty land for Christian communion and fellowship. I
do long for the society of some Christian sisters.

We have had a quiet time for a few weeks past, and a precious
season of rest it has been to us. We seem to be renewing strength
for the season of burthen and trial that generally falls upon us
the other portions of the year. I have been trying to read a little,
for I find my mind suffers without more food than I am able to
give it at some seasons, especially when we are thronged with

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION I97

company, and many and complicated duties are pressing upon
our hands.

But seasons of rest and quiet are of but short duration both
for you as well as us. The Indians tell us that more Americans
are coming, so that we shall soon be thronged again. We are
looking with some interest for an associate to be among them,
and hope we shall not be disappointed.

The Indians are very quiet now and never more friendly.
There has been some deaths among them of the most important
Indians, the past winter and spring, and we are not without hope
that some of them have gone to be with the Saviour. So far as
the Indians are concerned our prospects of permanently remain-
ing among them were never more favourable then the present. I
feel distressed sometimes to think I am making so little personal
effort for their benefit, when so much ought to be done, but per-
haps I could not do more than I am through the family. It is
a great pleasure to them to see so many children growing up in
their midst. Perrin, the eldest, is able to read Nez Perces to them
and when husband is gone, takes his place and holds meetings
with them. This delights them very much. I have much to write
you, but I am still waiting, hoping to see you. But I will give
you a specimen of my eligible situation for writing. I have six
girls sewing around me, or rather five — for one is reading, and the
same time my baby is asking to go and bathe — she is two years
the last of May, and her uneasiness and talk does not help me to
many very profitable ideas. Now another comes with her work
for me to fix. So it is from morning until evening; I must be
with them or else they will be doing something they should not,
or else not spending their time profitably. I could get along
some easier if I could bring my mind to have them spend their
time in play, but this I cannot. Now all the girls have gone to
bathe and this will give me time for a few moments to close my
letter in peace; they are very good girls and soon will be more help
to me than they are now, although at present they do consider-
able work. Please give my love to all your missionary friends

and believe me, as ever,

Sincerely yours,

N. Whitman.

198 TWENTY-FIRST'1 ANNUAL REUNION

Waiii,ATPU, Oct. 19th, 1846.

Dear Sister: — I have been trying to write you some time, but
find it difficult on account of bustle and necessary care, and even
now it is not much better. By Mr. Littlejohn we wrote you and
Brother Waller, inviting you to send your children to school; as
you said nothing about it in your last, we think perhaps you did
not receive the letter. Be that as it may, we would be glad to
have you send your child if you think she is not too young, and
particularly Brother and Sister Waller, as they have expressed a
wish to Brother Spalding when he was there. We have an excel-
lent school, taught by Mr. Geiger, and when he leaves, Mr. Rogers
will continue. We have been looking for Brother Waller to bring
his children for some time, and hope he will yet do it.

I have much to say to you and would be glad to write much
longer, but you must excuse me for the present as I have been
washing today and am now coloring madder. I send this by
some young men of the immigrants who are to leave today, and
are the last, among whom there is one from Massachusetts; you
will find him intelligent and learn, perhaps, news about your
home. He is a member of the Congregational church and re-
turns next spring for his father's family.

Affectionately yours,

N. W.

Please excuse so short a letter; I hope to do better soon. Be-
cause it is so difficult for husband and self to write, I persuaded
Mr. R. to write to your husband. Adieu.

Mrs. L. L. Brewer,

Wascopum.
Favour of Mr. Imbree.

Waiilatpu, Nov. 5th, 1846.

Rev. L. P. Judson, My Dear Brother: — I have a last moment
to spare in writing, and I have resolved to write to you, inasmuch
as you have given me the hint by the note you appended to a fam-

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 199

ily letter from Mrs. Whitman's friends. I am going to write
plainlv to you, for we love you and do not like to see your
influence and usefulness abridged. I have known you long and
well — better perhaps than you me. I esteem you for your warm
affections and ardent temperament, but although these are ami-
able qualities, they are like the health of an infant, of so high
and excitable a nature that it is but a step between them and
derangement or disease. Mental disease is not suspected by the
person who is the subject of it. But do not be surprised at what
I am intimating. There are but few who are possessed of perfectly
balanced minds. I have felt and acted with you on points to
which the public mind was not awake, nor ready for action. It is
well to be awake on all important points of duty and truth, but
it can do no good to be ultra on any of these points. Why part
friends for an opinion only, and that, too, when nothing is to be
gained for truth or principle, and much lost of confidence, love,
usefulness, enjoyment and interest.

Why trouble those you cannot convince with any peculiar-
ityof your own sentiment, especially if it is likely to debar you
from the opportunity of usefulness to them. By one part of your
own confession let me confute your ultra perfectionism ; that is,
you complain of not being perfect and pray for more sanctifica-
tion. Now, brother, let that suffice that as long as you have to
pray for sanctification you are not perfect, and that as long as you
live y»u will pray for it and then conclude you will be perfect
when "this mortal shall put on immortality and this corruption
shall have put on incorruption," and not till then; and then let
us cry, "Grace; grace unto it." Do not think of being an ultra
perfectionist until you could bear to hear a man say, "I have al-
ready attained and am already perfect, and to use only thanks-
giving to God for his having attained to and being perfect, in-
stead of praying for more sanctification." If you could arrive at
the point where you felt you were perfect, of course you would
no longer pray for sanctification, and what would be your prayer
after that? Let the thought awe you, for such cannot be the
prayer of mortal in the flesh. Prayer becomes us, and we shall

200 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL EEUNION

not be fitted in this life to join in the song of praise triumphant,
of Moses and the Lamb. And now for Millerism.

I was in Boston when the famous time came for the end of
the world, but I did not conclude that as the time was so short
I would not concern myself to return to my family. But I did
conclude that inasmuch as you had adopted such sentiments, you
were not prepared for any work calling for time in its execution,
and thinking the work of time so short with you that it would
be in vain to call forth any principle to your mind that would
involve length of time for its execution, I was contented to pass
you in silence. For to my mind all my work and plans involved
time and distance, and required confidence in the stability of God's
government and purpose to give the heathen to His son for an
inheritance, and among them those uttermost parts of the earth
for His possession.

I had adopted Oregon as my country, as well as the Indians
for my field of labour, so that I must superintend the immigration
of that y^ar, which was to lay the foundation for the speedy set-
tlement of the country if prosperously conducted and safely
carried through; but if it failed and became disastrous, the reflex
influence would be to discourage for a long time any further at-
tempt to settle the country across the mountains, which would be
to see it abandoned altogether. Now, mark the difference between
the sentiments of you and me. Since that time you have allowed
yourself to be laid aside from the ministry, and have parted with
tried friends for an opinion only, and that opinion has done you
nor no one else any good. Within the same time, I have returned
to my field of labour, and in my return brought a large immigra-
tion of about one thousand individuals safely through the long
and the last part of it an untried route to the western shores of
the continent. Now that they were once safely conducted through,
three successive immigrations have followed after them, and two
routes for wagons are now open into the Willamette valley.

Mark, had I been of your mind I should have slept, and
now the Jesuit Papists would have been in quiet possession of
this the only spot in the western horizon of America not before

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 201

their own. They were fast fixing themselves here, and had we
missionaries had no American population to come in to hold on
and give stability, it would have been but a small work for them
and the friends of English interests, which they had also fully
avowed, to have routed us, and then the country might have slept
in their hands forever.

Time is not so short yet but it is quite important that such
a country as Oregon should not on one hand fall into the exclu-
sive hands of the Jesuits, nor on the other under the English
government. In all the business of this world we require time.
And now let us redeem it, and then we shall be ready, and our
Lord will not come upon us unawares. Come, then, to Oregon,
resume your former motto, which seemed to be onward and up-
ward— that is in principle, action, duty and attainments, and in
holiness. Dismiss all ultraism, and then you will be co-operative
and happy in the society of acting and active Christians. I say
again, come to Oregon; but do not bring principles of discord
with you.

This is a country requiring devoted, pious labourers in the
service of our Lord. There are many and great advantages offered
to those who come at once. A mile square, or 640 acres of land
such as you may select and that of the best of land, and in a
near proximity to a vast ocean and in a mild climate where
stock feed out all winter, is not a small boon. Nor should men
of piety and principle leave it all to be taken by worldlings and
worldly men.

A man of your stamp can do much by coming to this coun-
try, if you adopt correct principles and action. Should you come,
the best way is to take a raft at Olean, if you are near Cuba at
the time of starting. You will need to bring bedding with you
for the journey, so that you can come on a raft, and also take a
deck passage on the steamboat if you wish to be saving of money.
A piece of cloth painted suitable to spread under a bed will be
most useful. Do not bring feathers, but let your bed be made of
blankets, quilts, etc. If you want any goods after you get into
the country, be sure and have them come around by water, if you

202 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

do not like to trust the shippers in the country. A train of oxen
will be the best with a light wagon; no loading except provis-
ions. Good sheep are excellent stock to drive, and travel well.
Some sheep we imported from the Sandwich Islands in 1838,
have increased one hundred and twenty-five per cent, in eight
years. Think of what a few good men could do to come together
into the country. On the way they could make a party of their
own and so rest on the Sabbath. With 640 acres of land as bounty,
they could, by mutual consent, set apart a portion for the main-
tenance of the gospel and for schools and learning in such form as
they felt disposed.

A large country to the south as far as the California line is
now open by the new wagon route made this fall.

You have a good faculty to be a pioneer and lead out a colony;
that is to start people to come. But when once on the way do
not over-persuade, but remember that the best of men and women
when fatigued and anxious by the way will be very jealous of all
their rights and privileges and must be left to take their own way
if possible. Restraint will not be borne under such circumstances.

As I do not know where to sent to reach you, I will direct
this to the care of Father Prentiss, who will forward it to you,
after reading it himself.

The Indians are doing very well we think in their way and
their habits of civilization. A good attention is paid to religious
instruction. Morning and evening worship is quite general in
their lodges, and a blessing is strictly regarded as being a duty to
be asked upon taking food.

I do not think you can be ignorant of the advantages of this
country, nor of its disadvantages. I wrote a letter to Father Hotch-
kiss, which I hope was copied and sent to Father Prentiss, which
you may have seen. That applies to this section and climate.
The country best suited for settlement are the Willamette valley
and the coast west. Then the valley of the Umpqua on the
south, and still south the Klamath which takes you south to the
California line.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 203

North of the Columbia, you know, is iu dispute between the
British and the States; you may early learn the result.

The greatest objection to the country west of the Cascade
range is the rains in Avinter. But that is more than overbalanced
by the exemption from the care and labour of feeding stock. It
is not that so much rain falls, but that it rains a great many
days from November to April or May. People that are settled do
not find it so rainy as to be much of an objection. It is a climate
much like England in that respect.

I hope you will excuse the freedom with which I have writ-
ten. If we shall see each other, we can better bring our thoughts
to harmonize.

Narcissa's health is on the gain, and is now pretty good. She
joins me in love to yourself and wife, hoping to see you both in
due time.

In the best of bonds,

Yours truly,

Marcus Whitman.

Dear Brother Judson: — Husband has written you a long let-
ter, for which I am glad, for he can write so much better than I
can. I do hope you will accept of his invitation and come to
Oregon. We want to see you very much, and there is much good
to be done for this country in the cause of Christ. Your heart is
here, I believe, and ever has been, and you are just the one to
come. Wife and children need be no hindrance, but will be a
great comfort — true it is some.

We feel a deep interest in you and love you still, and ever
shall, not only for your own worth, but for her sake who was so
dear to both you and us. It is a cause of great gratitude that,
although the Lord has broken your heart, he has, as it were, bound
it up again, and given you still to enjoy the endearing relation of
wife, and what is not a small consideration, that of father to a
beloved son. Bless the Lord for these great mercies, my brother,

204 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

for we never know trie full strength- of them until they are sev-
ered. Should you be called to lay that little son in the grave you
would then know the depths of a father's love.

Please remember me affectionately to your dear wife, and
say to her that I should be most happy to receive a letter from
her. I would have written you both by this opportunity upon
a separate sheet, but for the want of time.

My family is large and I have much to see to in the care of
so many children. Although they are not mine by birth, yet I
am interested in them and am much better pleased than if I had
not the opportunity of actiug the part of a mother. It is a satis-
faction to feel that we are doing good and saving many individ-
uals from being worse than useless in this world and lost in the
world to come.

Henrietta, my baby, is a sweet, interesting child, and loves me
as my own Alice used to, and I love her dearly; but that tender
anxiety, so peculiar to mothers for their own offspring, is not for
me to feel toward her, because it is impossible. She is now two
years and five months old, and attends school and is very happy.

For some reason I feel assured that you will come to Oregon,
and that I shall live to see you and converse with you face to face
here in our cheerful, happy home. Till then adieu, my dear
brother and sister, and may the Lord bless you and make you per-
fect unto every work through Him that loved us and gave himself
for us.

As ever, your affectionate sister,

Narcissa Whitman.
Rev. Lyman P. Judson, or

Hon. Stephen Prentiss,

Cuba,

Allegheny County,

New York.

OREGON ASSOCIATION PIONEER 205

Waiilatpu, Oregon Territory, United States,!

April 15, 1847. J

My Dear Jane: — I received your letter of March 27th, 1846, a
week ago yesterday, and for a whole day I could think of nothing
else but you and weep. Not a letter that I have ever received
from home has ever given me such intense feelings as this last of
yours. I am glad you wrote me so much about yourself. If you
had said a great deal more I would have been much better satis-
fied. True, we are strangers to each other as it regards our situa-
tion and circumstances; but dear and beloved as ever. Scarcely
a week or day passes without some incident or other bringing
you to mind, and we often converse about you. Oh! how we wish
you were here now, this very moment. It seems to me as if you
would be happier than ever in your life before. Perhaps it is be-
cause I feel that I should be so, which make me think that you
w>uld be; at any rate, I have every reason to feel that you would
be far more so than where you now are. There are many happy
little beings here that would delight to call you Aunt Jane, and
some larger ones, too. Why did you not come with Mr. and Mrs.
Tin unton? Had you not the means? Oh! if you could only get
here in some safe way, we would be willing to pay most any
price for bringing you. You say, "you shall have to see our dear
mother first." I do not blame you, I would see her if I could.
But seeing you cannot go home, you had better come here than
stay there and perhaps after a while we may go together and see
our beloved parents. Even now while I am writing I feel that
perhaps my dear Jane and Edward are starting, or are on their
way here. Oh! if I might indulge this feeling. I do, notwithstand-
ing the improbabilities, and that, too, perhaps, to be disappointed.
There is work enough here for you, and E., too, and just such
work as you delight in, and we have not the afflicting trials of
which you speak, opposition from those who ought to support
and sustain us. True, we have our trials, but they can be borne with-
out so sorely afflicting us. If we could only know when you would
come, we would send horses to meet you at Fort Hall. As it is I
feel so confident that you may be on your way now that I intend

206 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

writing this spring to a friend of ours, Mr. McDonald of Fort
Hall, and request hirn to find you out and assist you down, if you
are not so well provided as not to need his assistance. This en-
couragement we take from dear Edward's letter written in '45, and
we wrote you last spring and particularly insisted on your com-
ing immediately. Those letters I think you must have received,
as they were put in the hands of Mr. Palmer, who designed to
reach the States as soon as possible; and he gave me some en-
couragement to believe that he would call on you and deliver the
letters with his own hands. He said he should return this spring
with his family, and if I had known as much of your circum-
stances as I now do, we could have said more to Mr. P. about you,
and even engaged him to bring you, and we would have satisfied
him for it.

The Lord bless you, my dear sister, and reward }-ou an hun-
dred-fold even in this life for all the trials and afflictions. He
calls you to meet with, in your efforts to promote His glorious
cause, and blessed be His name that He gives you grace to with-
stand temptation, and a time-serving spirit.

My dear husband is gone to Vancouver and has been absent
for several weeks. But I am now looking for him every moment.
Indeed, dear Jane, you know not how much of the time he is
away, necessarily, from home. That is one very good reason why
I want you here. True, I am not without my comforts, even
when he is away. The Lord has sent us a dear good brother who
has now been with us more than a year, in whose society I find
much enjoyment and satisfaction. He is the same who wrote
you last spring, and you may judge from his letter something of
what he is. We talk, sing, labour, and study together; indeed, he
is the best associate I ever had, Marcus excepted, and better than
I ever expect to get again, unless you and Edward come and live
with me. He has always seemed to me very much like Brother Ste-
phen, and I have often fancied myself enjoying his society again.
I can assure you it is no small comfort to have someone to sing
with who knows how to sing, for it is true, Jane, I love to sing
just as well as ever. From what I have heard of Edward, it

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 207

would be pleasant to hear him again; as for you, kala tilapsa
kunka (I am longing for you continually to sing with), and it
may be, put us all together, with the violin which Mr. Rogers
plays, we should make music such as would cause the Indians to
stare.

May iSth — My Dear /ant': — The time has nearly arrived for
sending this. I have just been writing Mr. McDonald of Fort
Hall requesting him to find you out and assist you down. Don't
go the southern route as Mrs. Thornton did and nearly lost her
life by it. They lost everything they had and suffered untold
hardships. If I had time I could tell you more about it. I am
just now preparing to go toTshimakain station with Messrs. Eells
and Walker to attend a meeting of mission. It is 180 miles
north of us. I have not made a journey on horseback for six or
seven years, and you will doubtless be pleased to hear that mv
health is so much improved as to be able to undertake such a
journey again. I am going to start in the care of Mr. Rogers,
expecting to overtake Mr. Eells, who has just been here on a visit
and gone to Walla Walla for some goods. Husband can go much
quicker than I like to ride, and as he is obliged to settle with
and see to the starting of the immigrants that wintered here, he
does not leave home until several days after I do, and then goes
by way of Mr. Spalding's, to notify him and see to some business
there. So you see my dear Marcus is almost always on the move.
A head and heart more full of benevolent plans, and hands more
ready in the execution of them for the good of the poor Indian
and the white population of the country, you have probably never
seen. I would write you several pages, but if this should meet
you on the way, and you are soon to be here as we most earnestly
desire, I had much rather talk with you than write; but if other-
wise— if this still finds you in Ouincy — then be sure and come
next year. Do not wait to go and see mother first; corhe and see
me and then let us go together, or perhaps she may come and see
us. If you are destitute of the means, then get some one to bring
you and we will pay them in provisions or any thing else that
we have to spare when they arrive. If you had a good horse and
a good side-saddle, it would be better for vou than to come with-

208 TWENTIETH ANNUAL REUNION

out. I shall not be able to write to father, mother, or any of the
family now, but if there is time after we return I may do it then.'
Husband is equally pressed and cannot write to any one more
than the Board. He would like to write to Mr. Foote, but cannot
now. We should have been happy to have had Mr. and Mrs.
Thornton to winter with us, but they did not come this way.
How many will go the southern route this year I cannot^tell, but
I could wish my friends would not.

I should like to say much about the Indians, but cannot.
Our prospects for usefulness among them never have been more
encouraging than at present. The field is white for the harvest
and labourers are needed to enter in and reap. The Lord has in-
clined the heart of Brother Rogers to devote himself to the work,
and he is now engaged in studying the language. We have just
received a letter from the Dalls, a station of the Methodist mis-
sion, wishing this mission to take that station, as they judged
best to abandon it. To this mission it is a very important station,
and the brethren will probably think it best to occupy it; but we
shall need more help still, and God grant to send labourers into
His harvest.

All unite in sending much love to you both, praying and
hoping that we may be permitted to see you both here soon, dear
sister and brother.

Affectionately yours,

Narcissa Whitman.
Miss Jane A. Prentiss,

Quincv,

Illinois.

Waiilatpu, Oregon Territory, j
July 4th, 1847. /

Mv Dear Mother: — It was not convenient for me to write to
any of my friends in the States, the past spring by the returning
immigrants except sister Jane. To her I wrote briefly, in answer
to the one received in March by the hand of Mr. and Mrs. Thorn-

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 209

ton, who came from Ouincy, Illinois. It was nearly a year in
reaching me in consequence of Mr. and Mrs. Thornton taking the
southern route with the majority of the immigrants. What would
dear mother and father think if they knew how anxiously and
eagerly I am expecting Jane and Edward to come with the immi-
grants of the season. It is, indeed, so. We are looking for them
with deep solicitude, and hope and pray that we may not be dis-
appointed. From what she wrote me last spring, I think she
would have come with Mrs. Thornton, except for her mother; she
desired very much to see her first. It was the same with her
when Marcus was there. She could not come with him without
seeing mother first. Although I think she might have been pre-
vailed upon at that time to have come with him, if he could have
seen a way to have brought her, when he was in Quincy. He
learned afterwards that she might have come very safely and com-
fortably with one of the families that were coming at that time.
I was greatly disappointed and felt almost inclined to reproach
my husband for not making more effort to bring her. But it was
all right; he did the best he could under existing circumstances.
Since that time I have rather been waiting in hopes Edward
would complete his course of study and be appointed by the
Board to come and bring her with him.

From their letters it appears he has not been making that
progress desirable, and in his last he intimated that he desired to
come to this country and wished to know of us if we would en-
courage it. Accordingly, last spring a year, we wrote to them both
and set before them every possible inducement to have them come
immediately, Consequently we are looking for them and shall
be not a little disappointed if they should not come. Perhaps
my beloved parents would wish to know some of the reasons why,
or the object for which we wish to have them here. I need not
speak of the comfort and enjoyment their society would afford us
here in this far-distant land. That is self-evident. In a tempor-
al view, we feel that they would be better situated here than
where they now are. As it regards their usefulness, perhaps no
place could be found where they could do more for the advance-
ment of the precious cause of our dear Redeemer, and with better

2IO TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

success, than here, whether it be as missionaries to the Indians or
as Christian teachers among the white population of this country.
Good help of every kind is needed here in our missionary work,
and if they were now here we could fill their hands (or the Lord
could) and their hearts, too, with just as much missionary work
as they could well do. If E. still desires to finish his preparation
for the Gospel ministry, we would certainly do all in our power
to facilitate him, and at the same time he could render himself
useful in teaching a part of the time and be of great service to us.
We have now in our family a young man of real worth (and he
has been with us almost two years), who came to this country
principally forthe benefit of his health, thinking to return again
after a season, but finding it improving he has for more than a
year past been pursuing a course of reading and study with a view
to the ministr)-. He had commenced studying before leaving home,
but had been obliged to desist on account of his health. Since
living with us, he has had his mind much drawn towards the sub-
ject of devoting his life for the benefit of the heathen, and last
spring came to the determination of doing so; consequently, he is
now pursuing the study of Nez Perces language in connection with
his other studies. Thus the Lord has had compassion on us and
inclined the heart of one dear youth to enter this field of mission-
ary labour.

We have often asked for more associates of the Beard, and
thev have met our solicitations with encouragement and many
promises, and at one time had an individual appointed for this
station; but he failed to meet his engagements and went over to
the Presbyterian Board and was sent by them to some other part
of the world. At present we have no encouragement that any
will be sent very soon. There seems to be a great destitution of
laborers at the present time, or of those who are qualified and
willing to go forth to the missionary work. This mission is
needing another missionary very much to occupy a new station just
offered us by the superintendent of the Methodist Mission. It is
the Waskopum station, situated at the Dalls, where I spent the
winter while my husband was absent to the States. It is an in-
teresting and very imporfant station, particularly so with refer-

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 211

ence to its locality to this mission, as well as li> the cause of civ-
ilization and Christianity in the country at large. Our mission
have appointed Mr. Walker, of the Tshiniakain station, to occu-
py it for the present, until sonic other oik* can be obtained.

Tuesday, July 15th — While engaged in writing the above, I

was interrupted by the arrival of Mr. Ilininan from the Willam-
ette, lie is the young man thai taught our school the winter of
1S44, of whom 1 wrote a-- becoming a Christian and uniting with
our church. He has come up to try to obtain the use of the mis-
sion press for the purpose of printing another paper in the Wil-
lamette. He has now gone on to see the other mem hers of the
mission, and will probably visit both stations before he returns.
He has given us much intelligence concerning the lower country.
Five ships are now in the river from different parts of the world.

Christians of all denominations are trying to do something
for the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom in the land; but the ene-
mies of the cross of Christ are doing much faster.

If I had time I might write much concerning the lower coun-
try that would be of interest, but for the present I desire to
speak of our own prospects as a mission, which we feel
were never brighter than the present moment. Shortly after clos-
ing my letter to Sister Jane, I took a journey to Tshiniakain to
attend a general meeting of our mission. It is now six years this
month since I made the same journey. Since that time 1 have
been obliged to avoid journeying on horseback, on account of my
health until the present season. I am happy to inform you that
m\ health has so much improved that 1 endured the journey well,
even much better than for three years previous to relinquishing
the saddle altogether. For this I desire to be thankful. I was absent
from home a little more than three weeks. Our meeting was an inter-
estinp; one. Never probably since our existence as a mission, has
a meeting been characterized by so great a manifestation of the
influence of the spirit of God upon each member, as at that time.
All seemed to feel that we had come to an import an t crisis and that
God alone could and must direct us. Our Hoard had written and

212 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

advised to abandon the Tshimakain station in consequence of the
discouragements under which our brethren of that station were
laboring. Mr. Kells was advised to remove to this station, and Mr.
Walker to go to Kaniish, the station Mr. Smith formerly occupied.
This advice, however, was accompanied with discretionary power.
Soon after the arrival of Mr. Greene's letters, came the offer of the
station at the Dalls. This all acknowledged to be an important
acquisition; but wbo of our limited number should occupy it?
After much deliberation and consultation, it was finally determined
not to abandon altogether the station at Tshimakain, but that
during the winter Mr. Eells with his family remove to this sta-
tion to act as a minister in the English language for the benefit
of our own families and those who may winter with us, and that
during the summer his time be spent at Tshimakain, and in itin-
erating among the Indians in that language. This arrangement
is very much in consequence of the severity of the winter with
them, it occupying so much of their time and strength in caring
for themselves and their animals. Mr. Walker is recommended
to occupy the station at the Dalls. for the present, at least, or un-
til it is thought best to make some other arrangements.

August 23 — My Dear Parents: — I see I cannot finish my letter
without interruptions, and long ones, too. Another resolution of
the meeting was that husband see to getting houses built for the
mothers of the mission families, so that they could spend the win-
ter here for the sake of having the children attend school. This
would relieve me greatly of having to board them as I have done.

Since I commenced this letter many changes have taken place,
which entirely prostrate the plans and resolutions of the meeting.
Mr. W. is unwilling to remove with his family this year, on ac-
count of Mrs. W. being in a state of pregnancy, which was known at
the time of the meeting, but not made an objection. Mr. Eells and
family must remain with them throughout the winter, and conse-
quently will not need a house here as was expected. Mrs. S. and
children expect to come and winter here unless circumstances
prevent. Marcus has now gone to Vancouver on business to bring
up the property of the mission and see to the occupancy of the

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 213

Dalls station. We are unwilling to let it pass out of our hands and
fall into the hands of the Catholics. He expects to hire Mr. Hin-
man, as he has a wife now, and both are pious, to take the charge
of the secular affairs of the station, and in case we can do no bet-
ter, let Perrin (the little boy that was with us in Cuba, but now grow 11
to be quite a young man), his nephew, spend the winter with Mr'
Hinman, as he is very successful in speaking the language, and
can read and talk to them a little. Perrin, with one of our good
Indians and Mr. Hinman, we think, will do very well in keeping
up the station until a missionary can be sent. Perrin also in-
dulges a hope.

Husband has been absent more than two weeks and it will
be three more probably before he returns.

For the last two weeks immigrants have been passing, proba-
bly 80 or 100 wagons have already passed and 1,000 are said to be
on the road, besides the Mormons. Sixty have gone the southern
route that proved so disastrous last year to all that went that
way. I have heard that an individual passed us who had letters
for us and others, so that we are deprived of hearing from our
friends as soon as we otherwise should. It was just so last
year, Mother's letter was carried by to the Dalls and brought
up again after a week or two by Mr. Geiger and Mr. Littlejolni.
who came up hereon a visit. Mr. G. spent the winter and taught
school. Mr. E/ittlejohn and family have gone home to the States;
they started this spring and came here while I was absent at the
meeting. I was very sorry not to see her. She was Adeline Sad-
dler; I presume you knew her. She was very unwilling to leave
the country, but her husband has become such an hypochondriac
that there was no living with him in peace. He wanted to kill
himself last winter, it is well for him that he has gone to the
States, where he can be taken care of. Poor woman; she is dis-
consolate and sad, and greatly changed from what she used to be.
It is difficult to define the cause of his malady. He seems to be
very much like Mr. Munger, the individual we had here that he-
came crazy, and at last caused his own death by driving two
nails into one of his hands, and afterwards putting it into a

214 OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION

hot fire until it was burnt to a crisp, as was supposed, to work
a miracle.

1 said in the commencement of my letter that I was expect-
ing to see Jane and Edward this fall; but from those who have
already passed we can hear nothing from them, notwithstanding
they may be on the road, for among so many, it is not expected
that all will be known to each other.

It is difficult to imagine what kind of a winter we shall have
this winter, for it will not be possible for so many to all pass
through the Cascade mountains into the Willamette this fall,
even if they should succeed in getting through the Blue Mountains
as far as here. From the Dalls on to the Willamette is considered
the worst part of the route from the States to the end, that is, to
the Willamette valley. We are not likely to be as well off for
provisions this season as usual — our crops are not as abundant.

Poor people — those that are not able to get on, or pay for what
they need — are those that will most likely wish to stop here, judg-
ing from the past; and connected with this, is a disposition not
to work, at any rate, not more than they can help. The poor In-
dians are amazed at the overwhelming numbers of Americans
coining into the country. They seem not to know what to make
of it. Very many of the principal ones are dying, and some have
been killed by other Indians, in going south into the region of
California. The remaining ones seem attached to us, and cling to
us the closer; cultivate their farms quite extensively, and do not
wish to see any Sniapus (Americans) settle among them here;
they are willing to have them spend the winter here, but in the
spring they must all goon. They would be willing to have more
missionaries stop and those devoted to their good. They expect
that eventually this country will be settled by them, but they
wish to see the Willamette filled up first.

We wish to employ a teacher for the winter. If J. and l{. do
not come, we must look out for someone among the immigrants.
We should prefer an accomplished young lady from the Eastern
States, if such could be found to teach the children of our families.

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 21 5

Young ladies arc greatly needed in this country as teachers — also
female help of all kinds. Many more men than women come
into the country. Almost every body has been sick in the West-
ern States which is said to be the cause of so large influx this way.
When 1 heard that dear brother Harvey was going to Virginia, I
could not but help desiring him to come this way. (), if lie was
here now to take our farm, how much better it would be for him
and us, too; we need just such a man. 1 would that he would come
and two or three others just like him, for their help is greatly need-
ed. I wrote him to come, but do not know that he got my letter.
Husband is wearing out fast; his heart and hands are so full all
the time, that his brethren feel solicitous about him, but cannot
help him; his benevolence is unbounded, and he oftens goes to
the extent of his ability, and often beyond, in doing good to the
Indians and white men.

It is probably not right forme to desire to have father and moth-
er here; but still I cannot help thinking all the time, O, if they
were here. God grant that they may live long to pray for their
unworthy children among the Indians.

We hear that a monthly mail route is to be, or already is,
established on the coast south — a steamer to take packages from
Panama, that come across the Isthmus of Darieu. I hope it will
not be so difficult to hear from home as formerly. I intend to
send this that way for an experiment. I send this by our man
and John, one of the orphan boys, who go with two ox teams to
the Dalles to bring up the threshing machine, cornsheller, ploughs
for Indians, and other goods for the mission, also books for Mr.
Rogers, the pious young man of wdiom I have spoken, that husband
brings up in a boat from Vancouver.

Now I have the care of two additional boys for a year, who
are left here by their fathers for the benefit of school; they are
native half breeds. May the richest of heaven's blessings ever
rest upon my beloved father and mother.

From your ever affectionate daughter,

N \KC1SS A.

2l6 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REUNION

WaiilaTpu, Oct. 12th, 1847.

Dear Jane: — Two men are at this place on their way to the
States. One of them, Mr. Glenday, intends to return to this coun-
try next spring with his fainily. I have importuned him, and
made an arrangement to have you accompany them to Waiilatpu.
Now Jane, will you do it? I know you will not refuse to come.
At least I feel that you must and will come. I wrote you last
spring and told you that I was expecting you and E. this fall,
and I have been looking for you in every company that have
passed. But I have not seen you nor received any letter from
either of you. But a week or two ago when I was on the Utilla
river, I saw an individual that told me that he had seen a brother
of mine that was near Independence with his family, that he was
intending to come to Oregon this season, but could not get ready,
but would come next year. He furthermore told him that he
wished to send a package to us, and would go to his house and
get it, which was five miles distant, if he would bring it. This
individual said he promised to bring it and would have waited
for it had it been possible, but the company with whom he trav-
eled started before he expected and he was obliged to leave before
he returned with the package. From his description, I was con-
fident that it was Brother Harvey, and you can better imagine
than I can describe, the joy I felt on receiving such intelligence.
I have also received a letter from father and Brother J. G. They
tell me that H. was in the West and that you were with him. Mr.
Glenday tells me that there is a teacher in Monticello Seminary
of the name of Prentiss, and he thinks it must be you. I am
at a loss to know where you are. I write you every spring, but
I am not informed if you ever receive my letters.

I will now give you the arrangements we have made with
Mr. Glenday to have you come immediately and directly to us.
He says when you receive this letter, he wishes you to get into a
boat or stage and go directly to St. Charles and see Mrs. Glenday
and make her acquaintance. She is a pious woman and he is
highly pleased with the idea of your accompanying them to be
company for her on the way. He says he will bring you free of

OREGON PIONEER ASSOCIATION 217

all expense. Of course we shall satisfy him when you arrive. We
are confident that you could not have so good an opportunity to
come to this country in any other way as with Mr. G. He is ac-
customed to travel in an Indian country, and knows how perfect-
ly. I am satisfied that if Brother H. and his family and E. and
yourself would make the arrangement to come with him and
would submit to be controlled by him (as he is coming in a small
party by himself), you would be the gainers by it in the end.
Perhaps you would think that for so small a party it would be
dangerous traveling through the Indian country. Is would be
for persons entirely unacquainted with the Indians and with
traveling in the Indian country. But you may rely upon Mr.
Glenday; that he knows how to travel and can escort you here
quicker and safer and with less annoyance from dust and fatigue
and worn out cattle and with half the expense that you would be
at to come any other way. Notwithstanding if, after consulta-
tion and due deliberation, Brother Harvey should think it not
best to come with him but to remain with a company of wagons,
you had better come with his family, as from what you wrote I
judge you must be short of the means to get here comfortably, and
I am confident you could not come so well in any other way.
You will always hear it said by every one who knows anything
about the way, "Bring as few things as possible." I would advise
you and my brothers and Sister L. to be governed by Mr. G.'s ad-
vice about what you bring, as well as the amount. I will add
however, that I would prefer you would not cumber yourself with
anything except what you need on the way, and to bring your
minds to need as little as possible. I consider Mr. G. capable of
giving you directions upon this subject, and such, too, as will meet
my mind more fully than I can express by writing. We have
enough to supply you when you get here; and if we have not we
can get it here.

You know not how much you are all needed here this present
moment; yes, I may say, we are suffering and shall suffer for the
want of your assistance and presence here this winter.

Dear Jane, I have written in great haste, as I have but a

2l8 TWENTIETH ANNUAL REUNION

moment to write, and a hurried one at that; for it is all confusion
as usual when immigrants are about us. I would write Brothers
H. and E. and Sister E., but Mr. G. wishes to be burdened with as
little as possible, for he may have to go on snow shoes a part of
the way. He wishes to return next spring, and about the last of
August encourages me to think that, if spared and prospered, he
will set you down at our door. I cannot help feeling rejoiced
that Providence has opened up a way, to appearance so favorable,
for the safe, easy and speed}' transport of my dear Jane to my
arms. I long to see you all, and should much prefer to have you
all come with him if you felt it best. But he seems to think
that my brothers would not be willing to come with him on
account of traveling in so small a party.

Wednesday morn — Dear Jane and Edward; — I have been talk-
ing this morning to Mr. Glenday about you coming with him. I
am at a loss how to direct him to find you. I do not know where
Brother Harvey is. Father says he is in Ouincy and that you are
with him and that Edward is in Hazel Green, Wisconsin. He is
confident, however, that he will find you all and Brother H. as he
goes in, especially if he is anywhere in the vicinity of Independ-
ence. I expect husband will write Harvey if he gets away from
his cares long enough; but lest he should not, I will suppose you
all together and talk to you en masse, for it is impossible to write
separate letters. We, that is husband and self, think it best for
you all to come with him; and he is willing, provided you all
would be willing to submit to his laws. He is a rigid mountain-
eer, and the principal laws in an Indian country are to be partic-
ular in guarding your animals lest you be robbed of them and
left on foot. You cannot imagine the distress such an event
would occasion. Man}' events of that kind have happened to the
immigrants of the present year. It is hard work to cross the
Rock}' Mountains in the easiest way it can be arranged. If I had
the journey to make, and knew as much as I now do about travel-
ing, I should by all means, prefer to travel in the camp of such a
man as Mr. Glenday. If E. comes as a single man he will employ
him and pay him wages to assist in driving sheep; consequently

OREGON ASSOCIATION PIONEER 219

lie could come without its costiug him anything. If he has a
wife in view, he had better marry (that is if he has found a good
one) — let his motto be "a good one or none." Mr. G. says he will
be to the expense of Jane's outfit, and I think you may rely upon it.
When you get this letter you must write him and direct to St.
Charles post office, then he will write you and invite you to
come.

It may not be strange for you to be a little unbelieving and
think it not true that we have sent for you, but when you see
the big mule that we have sent for you, Jane, your heart may
faint within you, and you will feel that it is, indeed, so. The
name of the big mule is Uncle Sam. He was left here by Fremont
when he was here on business for Uncle Sam. Mr. Rodgers is ex-
pecting a brother-in-law, sister and parents, some time next
summer.

Jane, there will be no use in your going home to see ma and
pa before 3'ou come here — it will only make the matter worse with
your heart. I want to see her as much as you. If you will all
come here it will not be long before they will be climbing over
the Rocky Mountains to see us. The love of parents for their
children is very great. I see already in their movements, indica-
tions that they will ere long come this way, for father is becom-
ing quite a traveler. Believe me, dear Jane, and ?ome without
fail, when you have so good an opportunity.

Farewell,

N. W.

f. oa

■08